Dear Casper and Archie,

I absolutely loved working with your Dad at Marshgate Primary School. He enjoyed it so much that he left to work at another school and then came back to us!

I have many fond memories of Henry, but a time that really stands out is when Henry, Shane and I went to Pondicherry in India on a teacher exchange in February 2014. Henry threw himself into the experience, as he did with everything – with sensitivity, good humour, professionalism and fun. We went to an incredible meditation centre at sunrise, ate with our hands in a manner which showed our inferior fine motor skills, enjoyed playing with the youngest children and did hilarious martial arts style stretching as a team. Henry’s only complaint, while we were being presented all that the school had to offer, was that he would like to have spent more time teaching the children we had come to visit. I also felt very grateful to both your Mum and Dad when the teachers from India came to visit us in the UK. We worked as a team to host their trip and keep them entertained, but I was pregnant at the time, so your Mum, Dad and Shane definitiely did the lions share of the work!  

Henry had a special way of connecting with people of all ages. His own love of learning and research shone through in his teaching, but it was the relationships that he nurtured with others that were key to inspiring them. He was a kind, thoughtful and professional leader as well as an amazing teacher. He had a passion for correct grammar and punctuation which made me smile and he could really bust a move on the dance floor.

It was a privilege to have known your very special Dad.