School pays tribute to 'caring' teaching assistant as son charged with murder

A school has released a heartbreaking statement following the tragic death of teaching assistant Angela Shellis. The 45-year-old was found dead in Prestatyn on Friday, October 24.

Angela's son Tristan Thomas Roberts, aged 18, of Coniston Drive, Prestatyn, has been charged with her murder. Earlier today, he appeared at Mold Crown. A trial is scheduled to take place in 2026. Angela worked at Rhyl High School as a teaching assistant. Headteacher Philip Collins described her as "caring and committed". Today, pupils returned to the school after the half term break, with the headteacher saying support would be in place.

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In a letter to parents sent over the half term, Mr Collins said: "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.

"Angela was a valued member of staff, who joined the Rhyl High team in 2023 and was a caring and committed teaching assistant.

"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.

"We understand that your child may be shocked and upset by this news, particularly if they worked closely with Angela.

"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.

"I am confident that our caring school community will come together over the next days and weeks to support Angela's family, and to support each other through this very sad time."

He added: "Should your child need support during this half term week, please find some guidance and support in the websites below."