Appreciation: Joseph Paul Vella

Alfred Conti Borda writes:

It was so sad to hear of the death of Joseph Paul Vella, or JP as he was affectionately known by all his friends, colleagues and students.

JP was one of the first students to complete the teacher’s course at St Michael’s Training College, St George’s Bay, in 1947-1948.

He later attended the then Royal University of Malta, reading for an evening degree in English, and later proceeded to the University of Edinburgh, graduating in education.

His forte subject was obviously the English language and he taught this subject at the former Technical School, Paola, and to many other students, including myself. It was only due to him that I obtained my GCE ‘O’ level in this subject, for which I am indeed very grateful.

In due course, JP was appointed headmaster of the Boys’ Secondary school at Paola and then of Żebbuġ Secondary school in 1972.

Students of various strata of education in the country flocked to his English lessons but there was no charge for needy students and for those with special needs.

Indeed, his act of charity was truly exemplary.

May the Lord reserve a special place for him in heaven and console his dear spouse Tessie.