A Catholic school in Birmingham has been paying tribute to a pupil who died in the recent lake tragedy at Kingshurst, Solihull.
Jack Johnson, 10, was one of four boys who lost their lives after the ice broke at Babbs Mill Lake on Sunday 11 December. Kinghurst’s St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, where Jack was a pupil, said he “died living out our school motto of actions speak louder than words”. It followed reports that Jack jumped into the lake in freezing temperatures to try and save others. The tragedy also saw the deaths of brothers Finlay, 8, and Samuel Butler, 6, and their 11-year-old cousin Thomas Stewart.
Headteacher Cieran Flaherty, said Jack “was a joy to teach and a child who we are all so very proud of, a ray of sunshine who would never fail to make us all smile”. St Anthony’s said in a statement: “As bleak as things have been, there is light in the darkness – the school and wider community coming together in such a powerful way giving us all support. We've had messages of support and prayers from around the world. We've had prayers said at St Anthony's Basilica in Italy and even a mass in Taiwan. Seeing the efforts of our emergency services, their heroism and dedication to their vocations have inspired us all.”
Collective worship was held in each class when children returned to school last Tuesday. Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley and local clergy celebrated an “emotional” school Mass where “it was good to grieve and pray together”. Children’s prayers and tributes have been displayed around the school.
A large memorial has formed next to the lake and several vigils held there, commemorating all four boys and their families. Police officers were clapped when they visited after one of their number needed treatment in hospital after breaking through ice to try and save the boys during the incident.
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