Memorial Service - Michael Ryall

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

I am writing to you with some sad news about a member of our school community. One of our senior students, Michael Ryall, died in accidental circumstances on 23^rd April. Michael was held in the highest regard by his teachers and by his peers. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with Michael's family and friends.

Michael's family has informed us that a memorial service will be held at the Salvation Army Hall in Francis Rd., Faulconbridge at 1pm on Thursday, 1^st May.  In order to allow staff and students to attend the service it is necessary to make some changes to a previously notified school event and to our normal school routine for this day.

1. The student recognition ceremony that was to take place on Thursday, 1^st May, will now take place on Monday, 12^th May. The ceremony for Years 10 – 12 will take place in lessons 3 and 4 (10.10 am-11.15 am). The ceremony for Years 7-9 will take place in lessons 5 and 6 (11.25 am-12.30 pm).

2. Minimal and appropriate supervision arrangements will be in place at school on Thursday, 1^st May, during lessons 6 to 8 (11.55am-2.45pm).  

3. It is desirable that students who wish to attend the memorial service for Michael be accompanied by and have the support of a parent or another adult family member. Given the heightened emotions that students are likely to be experiencing, parents may wish for their child to travel to the service directly from home, rather than first attending school. If you wish to do this, it would be appreciated if you could notify the school your child will be absent on Thursday so staff do not become concerned about their absence. Students in Years 10 – 12 who do attend school before leaving for the service will be able to sign out of school for the rest of the day (following the usual procedure with the front office) at the start of lesson 6 and upon receipt of a signed permission slip (see over). Students in Years 7-9 wishing to attend the service, making their way there to and from school, will need to return a signed permission slip (see over). These students will also need to be signed out from school and accompanied to the service by a parent or other nominated adult, as indicated on the returned permission slip. If you have concerns or questions about these arrangements, please contact Ms Dean (Years 10-12) or Mrs Hume (Years 7-9).     

As you would understand there is tremendous upset and sadness within our whole school community. Some students have reacted very visibly. Others have not. This does not mean that at some time in the future it will not affect them.  I am particularly concerned that some students may experience a reaction at home. Should this occur, and in any case, you might want to consider contacting your own general practitioner or community health service to assist you. Some children may prefer to talk to someone they don't know about how they are feeling. Whether or not your son or daughter talks with you about what has happened, please let them know they can also see our school counsellor or contact Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 or www.kidshelp.com.au) or Lifeline (131114 or www.lifeline.org.au), and talk about how they are feeling.

Our school will be concentrating on supporting our students and staff over the next months. This means, among other things, returning the school to normal routines as soon as possible and recognising that students can be affected by this event for many months to come. If your son/daughter is already using the services of a mental health professional, you should ensure this information is passed on to that professional.

Please feel free to contact our school counsellor, Mrs Pat McArthur, on 4751 2111 for further information or if you have any concerns about your son/daughter. Contacting the nominated staff is an important way of ensuring you receive consistent and accurate information and for us to be aware of all parent concerns.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Mark Howie

Relieving Principal