26/06/2026
It is hard to think of the right words to say when nothing seems to fit.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of such a truly lovely person. She was a pleasure to work with and for, and her kindness and dedication had such a positive impact on the whole community. Picking up the phone to call and she won’t be there just doesn’t seem right. She will be missed more than words can say. Thinking of her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
Thank you for being you. Rest in peace. 🤍
This week feels very different in school, as it is our first without Mrs Mukherjee, and as a community, we have truly felt that absence.
Helen was at the very heart of Upper Wharfedale School for so many years: teaching, guiding, and supporting generations of students. Some of those students are now parents of children in our classrooms today; a testament to the lasting impact she made on so many lives.
Throughout her career, Helen never lost sight of what mattered most: the children in our care who were at the centre of everything she did.
She gave us so much:
💛 A listening ear
💛 Unwavering compassion and kindness
💛 The ability to make every child feel seen, safe, and valued
💛 Strong, lasting relationships built on trust with families and staff over decades
💛 Guidance through the most challenging of times
💛 An unshakeable belief that every young person could succeed, no matter their starting point
💛 A calm, steady presence when it mattered most
Helen didn’t just support students, she mentored and shaped staff; setting the standard for what true pastoral care looks like. She reminded us every day that education is, above all else, about people.
While this week has been incredibly hard, what remains is everything she gave us: the care, the warmth, the high standards, the relentless drive, and the example she set for us all. That legacy lives on at Upper Wharfedale School: in our classrooms, and in each of us.
Rest peacefully, Helen. You will always be part of Upper Wharfedale School. 💛
