Students, colleagues and friends both past and present – including the Island Echo team – are mourning the loss of ‘the best teacher ever’, Mr Chris Wilkins, who died suddenly whilst teaching at a Newport school yesterday (Thursday).
‘Wilko’, as he was known to many over the years, was teaching in a lesson at the Island Innovation VI Form campus in Nodehill, Newport when he suddenly collapsed. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and Doctors at St Mary’s Hospital, Mr Wilkins sadly passed away after suffering a heart attack.
The news came as a shock to all who knew Chris when the news was broke last night, as he was healthy and in good shape. He died at the age of just 49, leaving behind his wife and two children.
Mr Wilkins had been teaching for some 15 years, primarily as an ICT teacher at Medina High School, alongside government and politics studies at the Island Innovation Trust which incorporated both the Medina College and VI Form campus’ following the schools shake-up. He was also a tutor to the Y8 form.
In a statement released today, Medina College said:
“Chris was a witty, intelligent, well liked and respected teacher who will be sadly missed by all of the staff and students at Medina College.
“Our thoughts, love and best wishes are with them all.”
As a market of respect of his passing, the schools have held a series of assemblies today (Friday).
Editors Note: Chris Wilkins was an exceptional teacher who was very much liked by all of his students for his straight-forward, friendly and honest approach. Whilst being able to have a laugh in lesson with his selection of funny – and not so funny – jokes, Chris was able to deliver core skills which have helped many students in their future careers, including mine. He will be sadly missed.
