Wellbeing
St Cecilia's Primary School
Auburn South Primary School
The community of St Cecilia's was deeply saddened by the tragic events at Auburn South Primary School on Tuesday. Please refer to the letter below that Marty sent out to our school community on Wednesday which also includes some resources and advice contact numbers. If you or you child would like further assistance and support, please contact Marty, Matt or myself.
Members of our school community have asked how we can show our support.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the Davey family. Please find the link here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-davey
Dear Parents/Carers,
I write regarding an incident that was reported in the media yesterday involving the tragic events at Auburn South Primary School, which is obviously very close to our school. As a result of media reports yesterday and this morning, you and your child/ren may be aware of the incident.
I wish to inform you that the young person named in the media reports is known by some members of our school community, through kinder, school and sporting connections. On receiving this news today, I am aware that this will affect many members of our own school community. I know I speak on behalf of all of us, that this event is simply unimaginable and incredibly hard to fathom.
I reached out to the school earlier this morning offering our prayers and any support whatsoever, on behalf of our school. We will continue to reach out and be available to Auburn Sth Primary over the coming weeks and months, offering them whatever we can in the way of support. Sometimes, just knowing we are thinking of them at this time can help.
I seek your support in briefly discussing this matter with your child/ren if you feel it is necessary. As parents/carers you are best placed to share this information with your child in an age-appropriate way. In your conversation, please emphasise the importance of showing care to one another while being sensitive to privacy. The incident will not be discussed with your child at school, beyond offering prayers during class prayer time. Any explanations or conversations regarding the incident will only take place should the child/ren ask questions or make comments about it, but we will defer to parents to have these discussions. At all times, our conversations will start with the students’ wellbeing in mind.
Your child may be affected in some way on hearing the news of the incident. I encourage you to listen carefully to your child if he/she needs to express their thoughts or feelings, as it is important to listen, reassure and allow expression of feelings. You will find information attached about some possible reactions you may observe, and ways to help your child through this difficult time.
Our pastoral care and wellbeing support team will be available to assist in maintaining the school routine and structures and to offer time and support to students, staff and families as required.
Advice for supporting adults, children or young people is available from:
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Parentline: 13 22 89
Some fact sheet(s) about grief and loss (as relevant) from the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement:
Children and Grief (Pre-school, ages five and under)
Children and Grief (Primary School, ages 6–12)
How to Help Someone Who is Grieving
Should any issue arise where you or your child would like further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact myself, Matt or Kate.
Marty McKenna (Principal) mmckenna@scgleniris.catholic.edu.au
Matt Mooney (Deputy Principal) mmooney@scgleniris.catholic.edu.au
Kate Sutherland (Student Wellbeing) ksutherland@scgleniris.catholic.edu.au
As a Catholic, faith-filled school community, we draw strength from our faith at this incredibly sad and challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and the entire Auburn Sth community and we ask that you also keep them in your thoughts. We will continue to support each other during this difficult time.
Yours sincerely,
Marty McKenna
Principal