A North Wales school community is in mourning following the tragic death of a beloved teaching assistant. Angela Shellis, aged 45, was found dead in Prestatyn on 24 October. Her 18-year-old son, Tristan Thomas Roberts, has been charged with her murder, and a trial is set for next year.

Shellis was a dedicated member of the staff at Rhyl High School, having joined the team in 2023. In a heartfelt message to parents, headteacher Philip Collins expressed the school’s profound shock and sadness at the loss. He described Shellis as a "caring and committed teaching assistant" who was highly valued by both staff and students.

Collins stated, "It is with a sense of deep shock and sadness that I write to you having learnt of the death of our staff member Angela Shellis. We are deeply upset as a school community and hold Angela’s family and friends foremost in our thoughts, as they try to come to terms with their loss."

The headteacher acknowledged the impact of the news on students, particularly those who had worked closely with Shellis. He assured parents that the school would provide support for both staff and pupils as they navigate this difficult time.

"On our return to school on Monday, we will plan to support both staff and pupils in coming to terms with this news, using our own pastoral teams and support from Denbighshire’s Educational Psychology Service, Young Persons Counselling Service and Education Welfare Service," Collins added in his letter.

The school is taking steps to ensure that students receive the necessary emotional support in the wake of this tragedy. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.