Thame teacher named as fatal crash victim

A WOMAN who died on Christmas eve as a result of injuries sustained in a road crash near Tackley, on December 20, 2009, has been named as Ellie Bongers, a teacher at Lord William’s school, Thame.

The Headteacher, David Wybron, today released the following statement on the school’s website:
“It is with great sadness that I write to tell you that Ellie Bongers, a member of the English Faculty, died on Christmas Eve, as a result of injuries received in a road traffic accident, the previous Sunday. Ellie had been in intensive care at the John Radcliffe Hospital since the accident. This is a terrible loss for the school and even more so for Richard, Joseph and her family.

Ellie was an exceptional teacher. Students in her classes thrived because of her ability to enthuse and motivate students of all abilities. She gave them the confidence to achieve highly through the care, patience and individual attention she gave them. They will miss her hugely.

Ellie?s work as a team leader and as Acting Head of English in 2007/08 was outstanding. She met challenges head on and solved problems because of her calmness and clear thinking, alongside a warm and engaging personality. She was always supportive and reassuring to team members and was much loved by colleagues and friends, particularly in English but also across all Faculties. She will be desperately missed by them. She was great company and all those who were fortunate to spend time with her, whether in school or outside school, knew her to be a lovely person.

The school has lost someone special. Ellie was a model professional and contributed so much to all aspects of school life. Everyone who spent time with her could not help but be impressed by her strength of character, great sense of humour and the fact that she was so positive in everything she did. Students and staff have been truly fortunate to know her, to work with her and to learn and be inspired by her.

Whilst family and friends struggle to come to terms with Ellie?s death there is also the ongoing concern about Joseph?s health because he was also in the car with Ellie. He is still in intensive care. I hope that we will hear good news about his recovery in the weeks ahead.

I know that our thoughts and prayers are with Richard, Joseph and the family at this very sad time.

Lord Williams?s School will be a very sad place next week but I know staff and students will be supportive of one another. Plans are in place to talk to students in Ellie?s classes and there will be opportunities for them to record their feelings in a Book of Condolence. A Book of Condolence will also be available for staff. Assemblies will take place throughout the week with staff and students shaping the tributes to Ellie.”

David Wybron
Headteacher