Thoughts with Michael's family

The thoughts of Umina High School have been very much with the family of Michael Bell of Year 11 who recently passed away after a long illness that he had battled since he first came to the school.

Michael was such a friendly, unassuming young person that it is doubtful he would have realised the high regard and admiration that everyone had for him.

He defied the odds to live through the junior years of high school, completing his School Certificate last year and receiing a Principal’s Award for his application on his studies.

Michael has had a huge impact on the school community, his teachers, his close friends and peers in Year 11, many of whom attended the memorial service in Sydney.

He will be remembered as the young man who faced great adversity with courage and always gave of his best despite the circumstance he faced.

Students from the school, particularly Year 11, handled this sad situation in an admirable fashion.

Masses of flowers arrived at Michael’s house on the day students heard of his death.

Michael’s family were moved to see this tribute to him when they returned home and asked their thanks be passed on to the school.

Thanks also went to Mr Roffey, other teachers and parents who helped students deal with the initial response to the news.

F Gasper, Umina High School relieving principal, August 4