St Teresa’s mourns the death of a Grade 8 girl
The school has asked the community to pray for the families affected by this tragedy and to respect the privacy of the families of these children.
The loss of a young soul is an incredibly difficult experience. With great sadness, the Rosebank Killarney Gazette reports the passing of one Grade 8 learner from St Teresa’s School.
In a media statement, the school confirmed that one Grade 8 learner had passed away while a second learner had been injured in an isolated incident on September 19. The school said, “The preliminary findings of an independent investigation commissioned by the school suggest that the injuries that led to the passing away of a Grade 8 learner, and a second Grade 8 learner recovering in hospital, were self-inflicted. We await official
confirmation of this.”
The school has taken the matter with the utmost seriousness.
“We know our children have been deeply affected by the challenges of economic and political uncertainty, the mental health fallout as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and our own unique challenges in South Africa, the effects of which resonate both at school and at home.”
Read more here: Sadag launches new support group
“We are treating it with the utmost importance. As this incident involved the passing away of a learner, we are fully cooperating with the Rosebank branch of the South African Police Service. Further details may be communicated at an appropriate time following the conclusion of our investigation.”
In a time of sadness, it is typical of the Rosebank community to band together. In an incredible act of kindness, local schools in the area have supported St Teresa’s such as St David’s Marist Inanda, Roedean School for Girls, Kingsmead College, and De La Salle Holy Cross College.
“We are very grateful for the help and support we have received from our parents and the extended school community. Counsellors and psychologists have been made available to all learners and staff and our priority is to continue to provide support to all who need it. We wish to thank psychologists from [the schools. As well as] Lauren Salmon and Dalit Segal for the counselling provided to our pupils and staff this week.”
St Teresa’s further emphasised the importance they place on the mental, physical and emotional health of their learners.
The school has asked the community and the public to pray for the families affected by this tragedy and to respect the privacy of the families of these children.
Related articles:
Mental health awareness in young adults
Teen depression: A parent’s guide
Anxiety in children is rapidly climbing
