Message from the Superintendent
Dear Families,
As many of you are aware, there was significant loss connected to a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday. This incident is deeply distressing, and our thoughts are with the families, students, staff, first responders, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community as they navigate unimaginable loss and grief.
While this occurred outside our district, we recognize that events of this nature can create concern and may impact students and staff in a variety of ways.
Here is how we are supporting our school communities:
Emotional Support & Well-Being
We recognize that students and adults may have questions or emotional reactions to this news. School counsellors and support staff will be available to students today. If your child needs space to talk or feels anxious, please connect with your school staff — they are ready to support.
Communication & Age-Appropriate Discussions
We encourage families to have open, age-appropriate conversations with children. Normalize feelings of shock or sadness, reassure them about their day-to-day safety, and remind them that schools are caring places where their safety and well-being are a priority.
We are sharing some resources for staff and families. We will update this page with new resources as they become available.
In moments like this, the strength of a community is found in how we show up for one another — with steadiness, compassion, and attentiveness to the well-being of every child.
Thank you for your continued partnership and care.
Rohan Arul-pragasam, Superintendent of Schools
Mental Health Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
Resources for Families
Feelingsfirst.ca: Resources to help you and your child to communicate and discuss feelings and emotions.
Getting help for your child's mental health: Know when and how to access mental health support for your child.
Dealing with Crisis
How to cope with upsetting news stories - Kids Help Phone
Coping with tragedy - Kids Help Phone
How to help a friend dealing with grief - Kids Help Phone
Helping Students Cope with Difficult News
Common Sense Media: Explaining the News to Our Kids