Supporting your child after a tragic event

Posted On Saturday September 05, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As many of you are aware through media reports, a multiple shooting occurred at a home in Oshawa early yesterday morning which resulted in the loss of life of five people and left a sixth person in hospital. Words cannot adequately express our profound shock and deep sorrow over this terrible event. On behalf of the Durham Catholic District School Board, I extend our prayers and most sincere sympathies to all who have been directly or indirectly impacted by what has occurred.

We are aware that this incident reaches far into many of our school communities across the board. Regardless of your connection to the individuals involved, such sad and disturbing news so close to home may bring about a variety of heightened emotions. You and/or your children, may be reading social media posts or watching news reports that are troubling and difficult to process. To assist in these challenging times, we are providing the attached information for parents/guardians on how to speak with children about sensitive topics such as this one. 

If your child is experiencing increased levels of anxiety at this time, please reach out to the agencies listed in the attachment or your school principal for further assistance.

As a Catholic community rooted in faith, we continue to pray for the family members and those affected most directly by this heart-breaking news.

I would also like to acknowledge that information regarding the names of the victims have been withheld from this message as we work in cooperation with our partners at the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) who continue to investigate the situation.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers as we grieve this tremendous loss in the Oshawa community and beyond.

 

Yours in Faith,

 

Tracy Barill

Director of Education