A SCHOOLGIRL has died after contracting meningitis.

Joanna Yates, a year 11 pupil at Canon Slade died yesterday.

Alan Mottershead, headteacher of Canon Slade today paid tribute to the “hard working” pupil, who was due to sit her GCSEs this summer.

Mr Mottershead said: “The school is desperately sad to hear of Joanna’s passing.

“She was a lovely, quiet and hard-working student.

“She was in year 11 preparing for her GCSEs, she had just received her report from her teacher encouraging her to work hard and do well.

“I had seen her recently as she took part in the expedition part of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all her friends.”

Young people in the school will be offered support when they return on Monday after the half term break.

Joanne Farnell has known the teenager for 13 years through her Miss Joanne Farnell School of Dancing.

The school is holding prayers and reflection at the dance school following the tragedy,

She said: “I have seen Joanna grow up into a beautiful talented girl.

“It is so sad. She started dancing when she was little, has appeared in all the shows and sung solo as she had a beautiful singing voice, she was so very musical.”

The next show staged by the dance school will be held in memory of Joanna.

Tributes to the teenager, who lived in Salford and at the age of 12 was knocked by a car in Worsley while on her way to school, have appeared on social media.

Community answers

Tributes to Canon Slade School pupil Joanna Yates

"Tributes have been paid to "lovely, quiet and hard-working student" Joanna Yates following the schoolgirl's death. If you would like to leave a tribute to the Canon Slade School pupil, you can do so here. "

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Shelley Eva

What is your response?So sorry. Love and lots of love. XXX

From nicolette owen

What is your response?How sad to hear this. My daughter is at Canon Slade in year 8. I pick her up every day so I guess I must've seen you in passing. My heart ♥ goes out to all your family, friends and teachers. May you keep flying high beautiful angel, you will always be a Sladian. Nicolette and Andreanna xxxxxx

From Community contributor

What is your response?Rest in peace Joanna, my most heartfelt condolences. x

From Thomas Barnes

What is your response?Joanna was such an angel to everyone who surrounded her. She brought joy to me and all of her friends, always smiling no matter the scenario. She was a perky and upbeat friend and if I ever needed her she would always answer with great help and advice. I will remember her forever and I hope she has a peaceful rest up there. I loved the girl to bits as she was one of my closest friends. She made my best friend the happiest he ever could be. Rest in peace little one💕

From Community contributor

What is your response?I wanted to wait to write this until the majority of people close to Joanna had heard this news. As a year 11 at Canon Slade I hope I speak for everyone saying Joanna will be missed in someway by everyone... Even those like me who weren't particularly close to her. Joanna's strength and courage to push through any situation thrown at her has been astonishing over the past 4 years since her accident. Many of us are grieving her death, however, we hope it brings some comfort to her close family, friends and Matthew that she will never be forgotten. Yes she had a lot ahead of her, but everyone will cherish the memories that she has made with them. We're all shocked and desperately trying to work out how someone as young as us has been taken away so quickly. However, everyone I've spoken to has agreed it's time we take life for what it is and enjoy every moment. We all know she'll be looking down over everyone and will finally be free of pain. I hope in time her family's pain will turn to remember all the memories they made with Joanna. To all of Joanna's close friends and family, we just want you to know that, although the pain may never go, she'll always be here in everyone's hearts who ever met her. Love to everyone. Year 11s.

From Community contributor

What is your response?Joanna will be missed so much, she was a beautiful, kind girl and we will all miss seeing her around school. R.I.P. Joanna .

From Community contributor

What is your response?Joanna was always bright and cheery, rarely seen without a smile on her face. A beautifully talented girl whose life has been taken too soon, forever in our hearts and minds. Beyond the grief that the family will feel, may the light of Joanna's life and legacy shine through.

From Sarah Barry

What is your response?This is every parent's worst nightmare, we were so saddened to hear the news about Joanna. Our daughter is in Year 11 at Canon Slade and I know the news has deeply shocked and upset her and her school friends. Sending our deepest condolences and we will remember you all in our prayers as you try to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.

From Adrian Cocking

What is your response?I was from Joanna's school, in the same year. Such tragic news to hear. She was a girl everyone liked and always had a good reputation with the teachers around the school.

St Paul’s Church in Monton posted: “We are heartbroken at the very sad news that beautiful, young Joanna Yates has passed away. We wish to share with you a message which Andrew and Andrea Young sent to us immediately on hearing the news:

“We are devastated by this very sad news.

“Joanna was a really great young person and we can’t imagine not seeing her again. She was a delight and so helpful in the life of the church. Our hearts go out to Wendy, Ian and Denholm. We feel so sorry for their huge loss, they will always be in our prayers. May the Lord help us to understand why this has happened.”

Barbara Lesley Wood posted on the church’s Facebook page: “She was such a beautiful young lady. Also very kind and caring. She had such a fun sense of style. She was a pretty young girl who blossomed into a gorgeous young lady. She was truly an Angel. We will miss her terribly.”

Joanna died from pneumococcal meningitis infection.

Dr Matt Pegorie, consultant from the Greater Manchester Health Protection team said: “This is a tragedy and our hearts go out to the child’s family. Meningitis caused by the pneumococcal bacteria is extremely rare.

"However, everyone should be aware of the symptoms to look out for and of the need to take urgent action whenever a case is suspected.”

Parents should be reassured that as pneumococcal meningitis is not contagious, no further public health action is necessary.

Pneumococcal meningitis can affect any age group, but those at most risk are babies and young children under 18 months of age and the elderly.

Signs and symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis

Pneumococcal meningitis is not contagious. The onset of illness is often sudden and treatment should be sought immediately.

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include: a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, sudden onset of high fever, severe and worsening headache, stiff neck, vomiting, joint and muscle pain, dislike of bright lights, very cold hands and feet and drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma.