March 16th

Dear Parents

I am very sorry to have to inform you of the death of our community governor and great friend to the school Stelios Sparsi.

Many of you will have known Stelios and his wife Kate and their three children Georgia, Alexi and Isabella who all attended Parsons Heath School.

Stelios has actively supported the school for nearly ten years. When the family moved to Colchester 1999, Stelios stood as chairman of the PTA which at the time was in danger of collapsing from lack of support. Both he and Kate worked many hours to raise money for the school and to provide community events such as discos, art attacks, Summer and Christmas Fairs. Under his leadership the PTA became very successful and have continued to be so to this day.

In 2000 Stelios became a parent governor and for some years was also the vice chairman. He was the chair of the Resource Committee and Premises Working Party during which time he used his practical and financial expertise to help the school improve and develop. He often came in to discuss a premises problem with the caretaker, surveyor or building contractors and to help oversee work during the holiday. He was also known for rolling his sleeves up to help with tasks such as moving unused flagstones or inspecting and mending leaks.

I am very proud of the well maintained site and excellent facilities that we have at this school and Stelios’ help and support has been invaluable in achieving this. During his leadership of the Premises Working Party, we have: built the computer suite and changing rooms, enlarged the playground and built new play facilities, renovated the caretaker’s bungalow, built the gazebo, enclosed the quad to build the multi-functional central room and remodelled the front of the school to make a parents’ waiting area. Currently the group have been planning for our next development, a new atrium, reception area and increased security arrangements.

Stelios loved to take part in activities to support his children; we remember his enthusiasm in rounders matches and the fine figure he made in Roman costume. As a family the Sparsis have always been generous in showing their appreciation and thanks to the staff who worked with their children and this has meant a lot to us.

I know that many of you may wish to share memories or thoughts with Stelios’ family. We have placed a condolence book in the entrance hall for anyone who wishes to contribute in this way.

We are beginning to consider ways to mark our memories and appreciation of Stelios and will discuss this with you further in the next few weeks.

Yours sincerely

Sheena Clover

Headteacher