Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Tributes have been paid to primary school teacher Katie Morris, who passed away earlier this month.

Katie Morris, who taught Year 1 pupils at Ty Sign school in Risca, died on October 11. Her funeral was held on Friday, October 21, with the school moving an inset day so her colleagues could attend.

Announcing Mrs Morris’ passing, Ty Sign Primary School, in Risca, tweeted: “Our school community is shocked and saddened by the death of our beloved Year 1 teacher Katie Morris. Our thoughts and prayers are with Katie’s family at this time. Please keep her in your hearts and prayers with us today.”

Following the funeral, the school tweeted: “We have respectfully taken a break from Twitter this week to allow the focus to be the outpouring of love for Katie Morris from our school community.

“Today, I’d like to pay respect to our school family – governors, teachers, teaching assistants, administration team, breakfast club staff, lunchtime staff, kitchen staff, caretaker, cleaners and our wider team of supply teachers and supply teaching assistants.

“You have out the wellbeing of our children ahead of your own grief this week and I’m in awe of you all.

“Katie will always be a part of Team Ty Sign.”

Mrs Morris’ husband, retired motorcycle speedway champion Phil Morris, tweeted about the “amazing respect and honour from the school to my wife’s name”

He said: “She loved teaching the Ty Sign children as well as other schools she worked at.

“I’m touched but not surprised to see how many fellow staff and pupils she infected with her loving nature and happiness.”

Cllr Carol Andrews, the council’s cabinet member for Education, said: “I would like to offer my most heartfelt and sincere sympathies to Kate’s family and friends at this very sad time.

My thoughts are also with the Ty Sign school community, who mourn the loss of a loved and respected teacher who was dedicated to her school and pupils.”

The school thanked Aberbargoed Primary and Ysgol Bro Sannan, as well as officers at Caerphilly County Borough Council and EAS Equity and Wellbeing for helping to support pupils, staff and parents during the difficult circumstances.