A tribute to Sue Thomas

It is with deep sadness and regret that we have to let you know that Sue Thomas passed away on Tuesday morning in hospital following a short illness unrelated to Covid-19.

Sue originally began working at Shrewsbury Academy in 2001. She moved to the pastoral team as a SEND Lead Access Leader, supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities. Many aspects of the school have been a direct result of Sue’s hard work, not least the launch of the Something 4 Tea scheme, which is now a very popular resource in the community.

Something 4 Tea was a scheme spearheaded by Sue to ensure that every family within the school community had food for tea. Families have been able to collect a food parcel from school containing all the basics to cook a nutritious meal ensuring that nobody goes hungry.

Aside from the countless students that have been taught and educated by Sue, many members of staff have benefitted from her wealth of experience and support. Shrewsbury Academy owes a lot to the work and commitment Sue has given to the school from working in our SEND hub, to being a popular member of the staff team.

Miss Julie Johnson, Head of School, commented: “Mrs Thomas was the most selfless, caring and compassionate staff member that I have ever worked with. I feel privileged to have worked with her at Shrewsbury Academy. She dedicated her life to her son, her dogs, the school and the local community always wanting the best for everyone. She was the founder of the school’s food bank scheme, Something 4 Tea (S4T), which as a school we will continue with in her memory. We’d like to send Sue’s family all of our love and offer our support at this difficult time and sad time.”