Honestly, when I first met you I was a little bit overawed. You had such strength of character and charisma.

When, down the line some way later, I discovered we would be working closely together I knew I had to put my best foot forward. Fortunately, you had a knack of getting the best out of people. You quickly became one of the most positive influences and encouraging people I've ever met.

You were my mentor, but you were also my good friend.

The spirit and life of the school. The most trusted and respected person in the room.

Your very special flame was cut prematurely short; but you burned bright, radiated love and warmed the hearts of those who knew you.

I miss you, mate.

Robbie joined HD in November of 2018, 6 years ago. He started as a Grade 4 teacher and quickly worked his way up to cohort leader. I met Robbie on his first evening in China, wandering around Golden Street behind Wanda, looking for a place to have a pint of beer. We quickly developed a strong friendship, and he helped me get a position at HD the following year. Robbie was my cohort leader for two years when I started at HD. During those two years of collaboration and mentoring, I built the confidence to apply for a cohort leader position.

While I was promoted to be the grade 4 cohort leader, Robbie chose to work in my cohort rather than be the cohort leader of a different grade. I was initially apprehensive about this dynamic. Would he be resentful about the situation? Would it strain our friendship? No. Robbie continued to be a supportive friend, helping me to navigate various challenges that year. He would eventually go on to become the science coordinator, and we continued to work closely to ensure the best learning experience for our students.

The following year, I was promoted to assistant deputy principal, and he was promoted to head of English. Once again, we were in a position to work closely together where we could have an even more significant impact on the outcomes of our entire student body. That year brought many challenges: daily COVID testing, snap-lockdowns, high teacher turnover and several leadership changes. It was a challenging time to live in Shanghai and work at HD. However, Robbie helped tirelessly to support the school and mentor a new generation of teachers.

During the last school year, Robbie did great work as the Head of English. He led the implementation of Super Minds, helped coach our students to a second-place finish at the Battle of the Books, organized our English speech competition, coached our students to 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place finishes at the inter-campus HD speech competition, and helped shape last year’s fairytale festival and International Learning Festival.  All this while also taking on the extra responsibility of being the Grade 3 cohort leader.

Robbie was intensely passionate about the things that he enjoyed in life; chess, cooking, Liverpool football, drinking beer with friends, music, and of course, education. His passion for education was infectious, inspiring students and teachers alike to be better versions of themselves. He was loved by everyone in the community and was affectionally known around town as the “Mayor of Songjiang.” Robbie's zest for life and learning was an integral part of the HD Shanghai community, and we will continue to honor his memory and spirit for years to come. May he live on forever in our hearts.

He had an uncanny ability to read the room and rise to any challenge. He was the most gregarious or entertaining person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Whether it was work at school or in Shanghai (and in the UK), he wore many hats-a father figure, a mentor, a teammate, a friend or brother to so many, His passing left us in a state of shock, disbelief and deep sadness. Thank you for the five years of laughs, conversations and for always being there. May your family and loved ones find peace and comfort in the memories we all share. Robbie, may you rest in peace forever.

Your infectious positivity and sense of humour were always a pleasure to encounter whenever we met on campus.

The planet is undeniably less one amazing soul in your absence.

We were really looking forward to you visiting us in the Philippines. In lieu of that, I sending a bit of them to you to accompany you on your journey.

Love ya, Buddy!

lieu of that

Robbie's passing is a significant loss for the educational community. His dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire others will be sorely missed.

From：Adam Wang