PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

Prayer Service for Rose McMahon On Friday 21st October the school will be holding a prayer service in memory of our once bright, bubbly Gr 2 student- Rose McMahon. The service will be held on our top yard Basketball Court at 12:30pm (weather permitting) and in-line with COVID-19 restrictions. The service will coincide with the time of Rose’s funeral.  If you would prefer your child not to attend please let us know, especially if you think they might become too upset or alternatively didn’t really know Rose.

"And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”

Haruki Murakami      

KEEPING THE McMAHON FAMILY IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Last week the St Ita’s community had to work through one of our toughest and saddest times with the news that one of our students, Rose McMahon tragically passed away due to an accident at Wilsons Prom.

We continue to offer our prayers and thoughts to Rose’s parents, Katrin and Chris as they work through this difficult time of loss.

Rose was a student who embraced school life and everything about it. She was a terrific friend to many and was inclusive and respectful to all those around her. Whilst the death of Rose has brought much sadness and grief into our lives, it’s important that we keep the legacy of Rose in our hearts and daily interactions.

Grief is a natural response to loss. It might be the loss of a loved one, relationship, pregnancy, pet, job or way of life. Other experiences of loss may be due to children leaving home, infertility and separation from friends and family. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be.

Grief is expressed in many ways and it can affect every part of your life; your emotions, thoughts and behaviour, beliefs, physical health, your sense of self and identity, and your relationships with others. Grief can leave you feeling sad, angry, anxious, shocked, regretful, relieved, overwhelmed, isolated, irritable or numb.

Grief has no set pattern. Everyone experiences grief differently. Some people may grieve for weeks and months, while others may describe their grief lasting for years. Through the process of grief, however, you begin to create new experiences and habits that work around your loss.

GETTING THROUGH GRIEF AND LOSS

Grief is something that takes time to work through. While everyone finds their own way to grieve it's important to have the support of friends and family or someone else, and to talk about your loss when you need to.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOURSELF

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling, or consider joining a support group.
• Take care of your physical health. Grieving can be exhausting, so it's important to eat a healthy diet, exercise and sleep.
• Manage stress – lighten your load by asking friends, family members or work colleagues to help you with some chores or commitments. Relaxation and gentle exercise can be helpful.
• Do things you enjoy, even if you don’t really feel like doing them.

HOW TO HELP A PERSON WHO IS EXPERIENCING GRIEF AND LOSS

Many people do not know what to say or do when trying to comfort someone who is grieving. However, often it is the simple offer of love and support that is the most important.

• Ask how they're feeling. Each day can be different for someone who is grieving; take the time to listen and understand what they are going through.
• Talk about everyday life too. Their loss and grief does not have to be the focus of all your conversations.
• Ask them how you can help. A few home cooked meals, doing the shopping, or perhaps offering to go walking or do something enjoyable with them can all help someone through their grief.
• Encourage them to seek professional support if their grief does not seem to be easing over time.