Students returned to St Andrew's Cathedral School in Sydney on Monday, greeted by a sombre atmosphere and a floral memorial for water polo coach Lilie James, 21, whose body was found in the school gym bathroom last Wednesday. The courtyard was filled with the scent of pollen as students arrived with bouquets to lay at the front door, alongside teachers and parents embracing one another.
Among the flowers were notes of love, including one that read: 'Lilie, those we love never truly leave us, they live with us forever in our hearts and memories.' A large white teddy bear was also placed at the memorial. One student carried a water polo ball, asking others to sign it in tribute to James, who was a beloved coach to many.
Police are searching for Paul Thijssen, a colleague and former student of the school, in connection with James's death. He has been missing since the incident, and a male body has since been recovered from rough waters at Vaucluse. At a special assembly, head of school Dr Julie McGonigle addressed students, saying: 'We are left with grief, shock and utter confusion – because both parties were known to our school. Our beautiful Ms James, a ray of light, and Mr Thijssen, whose actions are completely incongruent with who we knew.'
McGonigle emphasised the community's strength, stating: 'The tight-knit, deeply loving and faith-filled nature of our community is what will get us through this.' She added that she wanted to treat students with respect by sharing the truth. Many students left the assembly in tears. The school has implemented safety measures, including extra counsellors, a closed gymnasium, and a drop-in counselling centre in the library.
In a note to parents, McGonigle described James as 'adored by all' and 'full of vitality, energy, enthusiasm'. Colleagues said they were 'utterly heartbroken', calling James 'a vibrant, smart, compassionate young lady'. A fundraiser for the James family has raised nearly $15,000 in four days. Organiser Daniel Makovec wrote: 'Everyone who has been graced with the presence of Lilie will be broken forever.'
Over the weekend, a candle-lit vigil was held in San Souci, Sydney. James's grandmother, Barbara Adelt, told 2GB: 'Some people come into the world, I think, they are so special, and they don't stay long. Now, I think that was my granddaughter. She was so kind to everybody else. She was the most loyal person.'
