28 February 2025 Newsletter – Sad news of Graham Robins, as well as World Book Day and FOSM Easter Egg Hunt

Sad news of Graham Robins

I’m very sorry to let you know that Graham Robins, a long-term friend and governor of St Mark’s, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, with his family at his side. He had been unwell for sometime.

Graham was a remarkable man, and has given much of his time and effort freely to the St Mark’s community. His children attended the school when it opened over 25 years ago, and he quickly became involved as a parent governor, and later holding a variety of roles including Chair of Governors for many years.

Graham was totally invested in the local community. He was active within the church at St Mark’s and Immanuel, and supported a range of events including many that your children may have attended. He was often chatting to people around Hatch Warren and Beggarwood as he walked his beloved dogs!

As head teacher, I would like to pay a personal tribute to Graham. Not only did he appoint me in his role of Chair, but he has supported me throughout my time at St Mark’s. He was always checking in on myself and the team and providing advice and support in so many ways. He had an excellent understanding of school, and was able to see into the heart of things. He also knew people well, and could have personal conversations with so many. He took time and really cared for people.

In recent months, he was saddened not to be able to attend school events including the Christmas Performances and Services. He loved supporting these and saying hello to current and previous parents and children.

A few of us were able to see him at a hospice on Sunday, shortly before he passed away. Graham continued to speak of his love for the school community, and it was moving to hear. It’s not often we hear of someone giving so much, for so long, with such care, and in a volunteer capacity.

We are privileged and blessed to have known Graham. What a legacy he leaves in the heart of St Mark’s School, as well as an example to us all of kindness and wisdom and looking out for one another. Graham’s life challenges us to think about how we find opportunities to serve and care.

We will be in touch in due course regarding opportunities to celebrate and honour Graham in our school.