People have been sharing their memories of a beloved school teacher at a school in Merthyr Tydfil after hearing he had died.
Stephen Baber, deputy head teacher at Afon Tâf High School, released a letter to parents and carers on Thursday, December 16, announcing the sad news. There has since been an outpouring of love for school teacher and formidable sculptor, Mr Dominic Gubb, who had worked at the school for 31 years.
“As you will be aware it was with incredible sadness that we learned of the passing of a member of our staff, Mr Gubb”, wrote Mr Baber, in the letter describing his death. He added: “Mr Gubb taught at Afon Tâf for 31 years and has been an integral part throughout this time. He has taught far beyond the school gates. We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and support.”
Teachers provided support to pupils and staff on Thursday, December 16, and this is set to continue until the Christmas break. But his loss has also been felt outside the school, with lots of people paying tribute to Mr Gubb on social media, from his past to present colleagues, parents of children he taught and his previous pupils.
The school has since updated its Twitter profile picture with a sketch of Mr Gubb, wearing his classic bow tie, in memory of the beloved art teacher.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/65o3VM0Th7
— Afon Tâf High School (@AfontafHigh)
One parent noted how much her children would miss the treasured teacher. They said: “He was a favourite teacher of my girls. He was such a gentleman. Sending condolences to his family and friends and all at Afon Tâf.”
He was a favourite teacher of my girls. He was such a gentleman. Sending condolences to his family and friends and all at Afon Taf.
— Susan Martin (@MrsMartin2015)
An ex-pupil was also sad to hear that her old teacher had passed away. They said: “Thoughts are with the staff and students at Afon Tâf- tragic news to hear today. I remember Mr Gubb when I was in school and both Rhys and Ruby have fond memories of him.”
Another Twitter user paid tribute to the passionate sculptor, showing off some of his work, noting: "He was the most caring, selfless man, but also an amazingly talented artist."
He was the most caring, selfless man, but also an amazingly talented artist.
Gone but never forgotten x pic.twitter.com/krwQn1udGZ— Afon Taf Blueroom (@TafAfon)
Thought are with the staff and students at Afon Taf, tragic news to hear today. I remember Mr Gubb when I was in school and both Rhys and Ruby have fond memories of him
— Katie (@K8T__d)
His death has also had a big impact on his colleagues. A drama teacher who worked with Mr Gubb also shared their condolences, saying: " Very, very sad news. An incredible teacher and a friendly and supportive colleague over the last few months. Mr Gubb will be sorely missed at Afon Tâf."
He was the most caring, selfless man, but also an amazingly talented artist.
Gone but never forgotten x pic.twitter.com/krwQn1udGZ— Afon Taf Blueroom (@TafAfon)
One of the computing teachers added: "Such devastating news yesterday about Mr Gubb. A favourite among staff and pupils, past and present. He touched so many lives, and had an immense impact on so many. During this difficult time, we will all be supporting each other."
Such devastating news yesterday about Mr Gubb. A favourite among staff and pupils, past and present. He touched so many lives, and had an immense impact on so many. During this difficult time, we will all be supporting each other @AfontafHigh https://t.co/YskyzBJ4oH
— ComputingTeacher (@AfonTafCompute)
Other schools and colleges have also been sharing messages of support. A spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil College said: "We are so sorry for your loss. We worked very closely with Mr Gubb during his time as head of year 11 and will always be very grateful for the support he provided us and your pupils during their transition into college. Thinking of his family, friends and the Afon Tâf community."
We are so sorry for your loss. We worked very closely with Mr Gubb during his time as Head of Year 11 and will always be very grateful for the support he provided us and your pupils during their transition into college. Thinking of his family, friends and the Afon Taf community.
— The College Merthyr Tydfil (@CollegeMerthyr)
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