Principal's Report

The Presentation Night in the Plaza Ballroom was an especially poignant evening after the tragic suicide of Yasmin Wilson. As a close community we continue to send our care, condolences and support to Yasmin's loving family. 

As a community we have been working each day to find the most appropriate ways of supporting the diverse needs of students and staff in dealing with grief. As mentioned in our Compass newsfeed emails to the community we have had a great deal of counselling support on hand for our students and staff in either group or private forums. Staff are available for open discussion, as well as to support students who would rather remain focussed on their classwork as a distraction from their loss.

Yesterday’s email to parents, noted that we are planning a memorial at school for Yasmin next week. This will be an opportunity for students who don’t feel they can attend the funeral on Friday, or would rather celebrate her life as a student cohort to grieve in whichever way they feel best for them.

 Yasmin’s family would like some positive things to come from her passing and one of them is to help other young people facing life challenges. If you would like to remember Yasmin in this way her family request donations to Kids Helpline through a fundraising initiative set up in Yasmin’s memory. Please follow this link if you would like to donate to this wonderful service

https://khlinmemory.everydayhero.com/au/yasmin-wilson

We have tried to ensure our support for our students, staff and families is anything but a token gesture and addresses the issues a sudden loss raises for many. Our approach has been informed by expert advice from the Department of Education and Training, Headspace, Beyond Blue and colleagues whose school communities have suffered this same anguish in recent times.

As we highlighted last Friday, as a parent staying connected and engaged with your children is one of the best ways to support them.

Key sources of information and support are:

• Headspace – phone and email counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 years – 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au
•  Parentline – telephone counselling and support service for parents, 8am to midnight, 7 days week – 13 22 89 or www.parentline.com.au
•  Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
•  Your family doctor. Your GP can also suggest counselling/psychological services if needed.

Thank you for all of your kindness and care to your fellow parents, carers, students and our magnificent staff.

Kindest regards,

Karen