STAFF and students at Fairfield High School are mourning languages teacher Vincent Le Goascoz.
Police divers found Vincent’s body in Bristol’s Floating Harbour on December 6, four days after he was reported missing.
Vincent, who was 35, had last been seen in Redcliff Street at about 1.30am on Saturday December 2.
In a statement, Fairfield High School said the school community were “deeply saddened” to learn of his death.
Vincent taught French and Spanish at the school, which has more than 1,000 pupils, aged from 11 to 16.
Acting principal Edel Cronin said: “We in Fairfield find ourselves grappling with the loss of a remarkable teacher, colleague and friend.
“Vincent left an indelible mark on both students and colleagues alike, despite only joining us last September.
“His smile, relentless positivity and optimism never wavered.
“Vincent’s classroom was a wonderfully fun and joyful environment full of learning, filled with laughter, and enthusiasm for his passion for modern foreign languages.
“He readily embraced school life to the fullest, including joining a camping trip within his first month of being in the school, his focus was always on bringing joy and creating space for our students to have the best memories of their school experience.
“Beyond the classroom, Vincent was committed to inclusivity and being an ally for minority communities, he dedicated himself to facilitating lunch clubs and building relationships with staff and students outside of the classroom.
“The void left by Vincent’s untimely passing is immeasurable, and we extend our deepest condolences to his partner Emily, his family and friends.
“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and the school will forever be grateful for his contributions to education, diversity, and the spirit of adventure.
“We miss you Vincent, but we will do our best in the coming days to channel some of your light.”
Vincent had previously taught at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School in Wotton-under-Edge.
His girlfriend Emily Cooper launched a fund to pay for his repatriation and funeral. By the time the Voice went to print, it had raised more than £17,000 in less than a week. Any surplus funding will be donated to diabetes research.
On the gofundme page, Emily told how she and Vincent had been planning to move into their first flat together just before Christmas. She described him as an “incredible human” with “the biggest heart”.
:”He was a beautiful soul, who loved his job as a teacher. Even on the hardest days, he still came home and spoke about his students and his class with such pride. He couldn’t wait to tell me hilarious stories that some of his pupils had said or done.. and then say with a smile ‘I love my job’,” she said.
Avon & Somerset police had appealed for information from the public after Vincent was reported missing.
A spokesperson said: “At this stage the death is not being treated as suspicious.
“Vincent’s family has been informed and we’re offering them support. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
“We’d like to thank the public for their help sharing our appeal to find Vincent and for contacting us with information.”