10 December 2004
Dear Bramalea Parents,
There has been a tragic incident at Bramalea Secondary School this morning. This is the information we have so far:
- There was a shooting in the parking lot of the school this morning, involving two adults.
- We can confirm that ALL students are safe. No student was harmed or involved in any way.
This incident has brought shock and grief to the students and staff at Bramalea. The Peel District School Board's Critical Incident Response Team has been at the school today, and its members are offering counselling to the students, staff and parents. The team will also be available at the school next week.
This incident is deeply felt by everyone at Bramalea. Students will be affected by this shooting and by the ongoing publicity surrounding this incident. Here are some ways you can help your teen deal with the shock and trauma:
- Acknowledge the shock and the emotional upset.
- Be available to your teen. If you don't know the right thing to say, just listen. Acknowledge that we don't always have answers to why these things happen.
- Provide a reassuring environment in which your teen feels comfortable expressing his or her thoughts and feelings.
- Encourage your teen to deal with the trauma in the way that's most comfortable for him or her. Some teens are open about their feelings, while others prefer not to talk about them or may only want to talk to their peers.
- Help your teen understand that it's not helpful to engage in speculation and rumours.
- Reassure your teen that our school continues to be a safe place. We're doing everything possible at the school to reinforce safety practices and procedures.
- Encourage your teen to follow normal routines as much as possible.
- Some teens react with hostility and anger. Try not to take any outbursts personally
- Acknowledge that they may continue to feel the impact of this shooting.
Be aware of signs that your teen needs additional support to deal with this incident. Warning signs include: prolonged physical or psychological distress (lack of appetite, sudden weight gain, persistent aches and pains, continued panic, anxiety, apathy or depression), becoming violent towards self or others, or decline in school performance.
For further support in helping you or your teen deal with this incident, you can call:
- Crisis Response Service at 416-410-8615
- Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868
- Distress Centre Peel at 905-278-7208
We will continue to keep you updated.
John Chasty, Principal
