Lilie James: Students pen devastating letters to ‘inspirational’ teacher bludgeoned to death by her ex at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney

Devastated students at an elite Sydney school have left heartbreaking letters after a young teacher was brutally beaten to death by her ex-boyfriend.

Water polo coach Lilie James was discovered in the gymnasium toilet at the exclusive St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney’s CBD on October 25.

The 21-year-old was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by her ex-boyfriend and colleague Paul Thijssen, 24, after ending their whirlwind five-week relationship.

Hours later, Thijssen phoned police to confess before plunging to his death from cliffs above Diamond Bay, in the eastern suburbs of Vaucluse.

In the days following her death, Ms James’ pupils left hundreds of letters, messages, cards and flowers at a makeshift memorial in the school hall.

Days after her death, Ms James’ pupils left hundreds of letters, messages, cards and flowers on a makeshift memorial in the school hall.

Students described Ms. James as a “coach like no other,” with many describing the young woman as having boundless energy and warmth full of kindness.

Students described Ms. James as a “coach like no other,” with many describing the young woman as having boundless energy and a heart full of kindness.

“Lilie wasn’t just a coach, she was a sister, a friend and a daughter. She was an inspiration, transforming every workout into a remarkable journey of joy and growth, adding fun new ways to learn skills,” one student wrote. in a letter obtained by The Daily Telegraph.

Another student said Ms James transformed each bus ride to and from water polo into an “enjoyable and inclusive” experience by fostering a “warm and welcoming atmosphere for all”.

“Lilie had a unique gift for turning sweat and effort into smiles and laughter for everyone involved,” another student wrote.

“Every training session with Lilie was an adventure, a moment to look forward to.”

Others said Ms. James was a teacher every student could count on “no matter what it was.”

Ms James was also described as an incredibly positive and supportive teacher who had a “significant impact” on those she mentored.

“This is one of the reasons I loved water polo,” one heartbroken student wrote.

Another student said he felt “privileged” to be taught by Ms James and wanted her to “sleep in heavenly peace”.

Ms James was killed in the staff toilet at St Andrew’s Cathedral School after returning sports equipment following a session with students.

Investigators believe Ms James’ murder was not a crime of passion but a premeditated attack by her ex-boyfriend and colleague Thijssen.

Thijssen, a former student of the elite school, was caught on CCTV footage buying a hammer at a hardware store in the east of the city, not far from his home in Kensington, on the morning of the ‘attack.

Ms James was also described as an incredibly positive and supportive teacher who had a “significant impact” on those she mentored.

Investigators believe Ms James’ murder was not a crime of passion but a premeditated attack by her ex-boyfriend and colleague Thijssen.

It is understood the hammer was not the one used to kill Ms James.

Police believe Thijssen had two hammers, the other possibly from a school store.

It is understood the private school’s hockey instructor may have used Ms James’ thumb or face to unlock her phone to send a message to her father asking him to pick her up from school .

Hours later, Thijssen phoned police to confess before plunging to his death from cliffs above Diamond Bay, in the eastern suburbs of Vaucluse.

Police divers managed to recover Thijssen’s bloated and battered body from the rocks beneath the cliffs of Diamond Bay.