Tributes paid after former Sheffield headteacher and one of teaching’s ‘all-time greats’ dies

John Day began his career at Wales High School in Wales in 1971 and rose through the ranks to become an esteemed deputy headteacher who ‘won over naughty boys and girls’ through a mixture of ‘charm, strength and kindness with the odd confidence trick thrown in’.

He was headteacher at the secondary school, in Kiveton, from 2008 to 2012 before moving onto the governing body where he continued to support and uphold the school’s efforts and values.

Breaking the sad news in a letter to parents and pupils, current headteacher Pepe D’lasio said: “Although John has not enjoyed good health for a while, the news of his death was nonetheless devastating, and our thoughts first of all turn to his family, Melanie and Hannah and Matt. All of them are in our hearts and our prayers.

“It is very difficult to put into words John’s essential importance in the life of our community at Wales, and his impact in the lives of so many of us. His loss finally breaks the link with the school’s first staff roster, and perhaps we could take a moment to reflect on what he has given to us all.

“John’s core belief as a teacher, and then as deputy head and headteacher, can be summed up in his own words: “If the children are just numbers to us, then that’s all we’ll ever be to them.”

“He fostered a philosophy based on mutual respect and warmth, on consideration and pride in the school and our own personal standards.”

Mr Day was well known for his part in pupil trips and holidays, particularly skiing trips and the annual Summer Camp.

Mr D’lasio added: “He once joked that the school owed him nearly five years of accrued holidays as a result.

“The camps were based on a cocktail of adventure and independence, and the modelling of decent and considerate group behaviour. And they were marvellous fun, as was John.

“John’s warmth as a person meant that he was able to support many of his colleagues and friends through crisis and periods of weakness and need.

“Many of us cherish memories of his care and generosity, and it is no exaggeration to say he saved careers and perhaps even lives. His sense of humour was part of his legend, and his tall tales, shared with the students in ‘full-school squash’, were impish and hilarious.”

Messages from former pupils and staff continue to poor in on the school’s social media pages.

Paul Hanks said: “One of the all time greats of teaching. John has passed away, but he has passed on character, values and ambitions which will live on in our communities.

“Many people would not be the person they are today without his contribution. That is the mark of a man that made a difference.”

Rachel Beck said: “Such sad news. Thoughts and prayers with his family. I have such fond memories of him and especially on skiing holidays. He made a difference in so many lives, and was indeed respected and loved by so many.”

Cheryl Ballance said: “Such sad news. He was such an important part of the school when I was there. His commitment to the school, particularly with regards to the holidays he took many of us on was amazing. Being a teacher now, I am not sure how he fitted it all in.

In a ‘small, visible token’ to ‘Mister Wales’, Mr D’lasio said that the school’s flag will flay at half-mast from today.