STAFF and students at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School are mourning the loss of teacher Andrea Goodwin, who died yesterday, Thursday.

Mrs Goodwin, known to family and friends as Andy, passed away peacefully at St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford aged 49 after a battle against cancer.

A popular teacher of modern foreign languages, she had worked at the school for more than 15 years.

Denis Oliver, executive headteacher at the school, said: “Andy was a very popular and much-loved teacher.

"Throughout her teaching career she strived relentlessly to guide her students towards a special understanding of how much life could be enhanced through the study of foreign languages, particularly German.

"She was a great teacher. She knew her stuff, prepared well and explained clearly.

"She was a true professional, but for Andy teaching was not only a profession, it was also a mission and part of that mission was to develop within her students a deeper understanding of other languages and cultures.

"Andy will be greatly missed by all who knew her and our deepest sympathies go out to her family at this very sad time.”

Andy graduated from Liverpool University and worked at Biddulph High School in Staffordshire before joining the team at Holmes Chapel in 2002.

During her time at the school, Mrs Goodwin successfully worked in a number of roles, which included being the school’s very first Learning Intervention Manager, before finally becoming the head of the Modern Foreign Languages department.

She led numerous learning exchange trips, most notably to Montabaur in the Rhineland of Germany.

Andy was also part of the school team that visited Scottburgh High School in South Africa as part of an ‘Afritwin’ project that has included the longer term sponsoring of a creche.

Former students and colleagues have been offering their memories and tributes to Andy with one former student curating a compilation video of thoughts from those who benefited from Mrs Goodwin’s tutelage.

The school will compile into a ‘Book of Memories’ of fondest memories from her students and colleagues.

She leaves behind her husband, David, and their daughter Bethan.

The family have asked for any donations in Andy’s memory, to be made to St Lukes Hospice in Winsford.

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A teacher like Mrs Goodwin

A poem by sixth form students at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School

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If only we could all have,

a teacher like Mrs Goodwin,

She was always there to lend a hand,

or when we needed cuddling.

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So much more than just a teacher,

she picked us up when we were down.

Her wisdom, strength and courage,

truly knew no bounds.

-

Always without hesitation,

she took us under her wing.

No problem was too big or small;

she had an answer for everything.

-

Fiercely brave and honest,

nothing could stand in her way.

And we can only hope,

to make her proud someday.

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We’ll never forget Mrs Goodwin,

or the twinkle in her eye.

The fire in her heart,

or the way she taught us how to fly.

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But it wouldn’t quite seem fitting,

to say goodbye, as such,

so Auf Wiedersehen Frau Goodwin,

we’ll miss you very much.