The Director of Education for the Limestone District School Board sent the following letter with resources available to local families:
The Limestone District School Board is deeply saddened to learn of the horrific events that took place Tuesday impacting a school and community in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
No words can adequately express our condolences to those affected. Our hearts are with the students, families, and community members who have been directly impacted by this awful event. While there are many national and international events that affect people on a daily or weekly basis, events impacting schools have an impact on everyone attached to schools and education.
Significant events like these, that are in the public eye and heavily featured on news and social media, can have an impact on students and families in different ways. These impacts may look different for each person and be impacted by their source(s) of information and/or media coverage.
We are here to offer support. The board’s Educational Services team is available to support students and families as needed. Educational Services has prepared the following tips to help families support students during this time:
- Recognize that students may become concerned that something bad will happen to themselves, family, or friends. Explain that safety measures are in place and reassure them that you and other adults will take care of them.
- If your student is not focused on what happened, avoid dwelling on it or having detailed adult conversations in front of younger students. However, be available to answer questions to the best of your ability. Young students may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour or social interactions.
- For some, limiting exposure to media coverage or other sources of information may be important, particularly when social media platforms contain significant amounts of misinformation or disinformation. Images of a horrific event can become overwhelming, especially if watched repetitively. Young students may not be able to distinguish between images on television or their screen, and their personal reality. For older students who choose to watch the news or scroll social media stories related to the event, be available to discuss what they see and to help put it into perspective.
- Be aware of your own needs. Do not ignore your own feelings of anxiety and concern or anger. Talking to friends, family members, and mental health counsellors can help. You will be better able to support others if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner.
In addition, community supports and resources are available:
- School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO): Noticing mental health concerns for your child (available in multiple languages).
- SMHO: Help me understand – Talking with your child about mental health
- MediaSmarts: Talking to kids about the news
- Kids Help Phone is available to students 24/7 by calling 1-800-688-6868 or by texting “CONNECT” to 686868.
As always, Limestone’s top priority remains the safety and well-being of students and staff. This is a responsibility we take very seriously. If you have concerns about how your student is reacting to this event, or any other national or international significant events, or feel additional support may be helpful, please reach out to your school.
Sincerely,
Krishna Burra, Director of Education
