Deputy Principal 

Supporting one another through loss

Over the past week, our school community has been navigating a heartbreaking loss. Moments like these shake us deeply, and it’s completely natural for students, families, and staff to feel a wide range of emotions. Grief doesn’t follow a straight line, and everyone processes loss differently. What matters most is that no one has to face it alone.

Understanding the signs of grief

Grief can show up in many ways, and sometimes it’s not obvious. Students may experience:

• Emotional signs: sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, anxiety, or sudden mood changes

• Physical signs: tiredness, headaches, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping

• Behavioural signs: withdrawing from friends, struggling to concentrate, loss of interest in usual activities

• Social signs: wanting more time alone, or conversely, needing extra closeness and reassurance

None of these reactions are “wrong.” They’re simply signals that someone is hurting and may need support.

Managing grief: What can help?

While there’s no quick fix for grief, there are healthy ways to cope:

• Talk to someone you trust. Sharing feelings with a parent, mentor, teacher, or friend can lighten the emotional load.

• Keep a routine. Structure can bring a sense of stability when everything feels uncertain.

• Express feelings creatively. Writing, drawing, music, or sport can help release emotions that are hard to put into words.

• Take breaks from heavy feelings. It’s okay to laugh, rest, or do something enjoyable. Grief doesn’t mean you must feel sad every moment.

• Be patient with yourself. Healing takes time, and it’s different for everyone.

Supporting a friend who is struggling

Many students have shown remarkable compassion and maturity in supporting one another. If you’re worried about a friend, here are signs they may need extra help:

• They seem overwhelmed or unusually withdrawn

• They talk about feeling hopeless or like they can’t cope

• Their behaviour changes suddenly or dramatically

• They avoid activities or people they normally enjoy

• They express thoughts that worry you, even subtly

What you can do:

• Reach out gently. A simple “I’m here if you want to talk” can mean more than you realise.

• Listen without trying to fix everything. Sometimes being present is the most powerful support.

• Encourage them to speak with an adult. Let them know it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

• Stay connected. Check in regularly, even with small messages or gestures.

If your friend doesn’t want help:

This can be tough. You might feel helpless or unsure what to do next. Remember:

• You are not responsible for solving everything

• You can still offer kindness, patience, and presence

• If you’re genuinely worried, tell a trusted adult—even if your friend asked you not to. Their safety and wellbeing matter more than keeping a secret

You are not alone

Students are reminded that their Mentor, Head of House, Miss Reiher, and myself are here to support you. Whether you need a conversation, a quiet space, or help understanding your feelings, we are ready to walk alongside you.

We also have access to external support services and online support including:

• Headspace

• Kids Helpline

• Lifeline

These services offer confidential support and can be accessed online or by phone, day or night.

A message to our students

We want to say how incredibly proud we are of the way you have supported one another during such a painful time. Your compassion, your willingness to check in on friends, and your courage in speaking up when things feel heavy show the strength of our community. You’ve shown maturity beyond your years, and it has not gone unnoticed.

Please continue to look after yourselves and each other. No one has to walk this path alone.

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