Passing of staff member - Carol Hale

Dear Parents and Carers,

I’m sorry to inform you that Carol Hale, a long-serving staff member (IT tech support), passed away in the last week of Term 2 after experiencing a medical emergency at the school.  Carol received fantastic support from our staff, who administered first aid, and from local paramedics and the medical team at Grampians Wimmera Health.

The College, in consultation with the Department and following discussions within the College Leadership and Wellbeing Teams, ensured classes continued as normal on the day and for the remainder of the week. This decision was made as no students were directly involved in the emergency.  The overwhelming response of support, care, and normality across the school in the final week of last term was a credit to the students and the professionalism of staff at the College.

Approximately fifty staff attended Carol’s funeral in Hamilton during the first week of the holidays and were able to commemorate and celebrate the well-lived and respected life of a colleague and friend with her family and friends outside of the College.

It is important to note that it can be difficult to come to terms with something like this when it happens. Everyone responds in different ways: some may only feel they need support once it has had time to sink in.

We have a fantastic wellbeing team at the school, and they are available to offer any support your child may need if deemed appropriate.

Alternatively, support is available for this or any other issue through:

• Headspace Horsham: 03 5381 1543, and
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au

My door is always open and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours faithfully,

Rob Pyers

Principal