It’s a very sad day for students and educators alike, as San Anton School announced the passing of its well-loved headmaster, 56-year-old Dr Sandro Spiteri.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our Heed of School, Dr Sandro Spiteri, earlier today,” the school wrote on social media.

“May he be granted eternal rest and may the Lord watch over his family during this very difficult time. We kindly ask you to keep them in your prayers,” it continued.

According to Times of Malta, the late headmaster had been battling an illness for months.

Parents were made aware of Dr Spiteri’s illness and, just last week, he emailed them himself to inform them that he was in a palliative state.

Dr Spiteri was appointed headmaster of San Anton School on 30th June 2020, succeeding Dr John Gauci. Earlier in his career, he had spent eight years at the school as a teacher of Maltese, Head of Department of Maltese and Religion and a member of the school’s Senior Management Team.

Hundreds took to the post’s comments section to pay tribute to the beloved headmaster.

“How very sad. The school has lost a genuine and honest man,” one commenter wrote.

“A great contributor to the school and a true gentleman with his heart in the right place,” added another.

Activist Matthew Caruana Galizia and MP David Thake were amongst the plethora of public figures that paid tribute to the Dr Spiteri.

Rest in peace!