NEW Westminster School Board in a letter on Monday announced that Kira Salim, teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School, was among the 11 people who lost their lives in the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy on Saturday.

Maya Russell, Chair of the Board of Education, and Mark Davidson, Superintendent of Schools, wrote: “Kira was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle and secondary school students had a powerful impact. Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives.

“The loss of our friend and colleague has left us all shocked and heartbroken. We extend our deepest condolences to Kira’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them.”

They noted: “We recognize Kira’s passing may be difficult to process and that many at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary will feel the weight of this loss. If your child or a member of your family is struggling, please reach out to your school counsellor for support.”

They added: “To help your child and family cope, we would like to share some methods provided by Safer Schools Together you can use to guide conversations during this difficult time.”

Their advice:

* Limit your child’s exposure to social media and news stories about the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy. Depending on their age and development, children may feel overwhelmed by traumatic news coverage and imagery.

* Acknowledge your child’s feelings and your own to help them process events and know that it is normal to experience a range emotions when confronted with upsetting situations.

* Listen to your child’s concerns before offering explanations. Let them voice their fears and ask age-appropriate, open-ended questions. Ask them what they may have heard and what that information means to them. These questions will help you uncover misconceptions and unfounded fears that may need correcting. Questions will also indicate to you what your child may need from adults to feel safe and supported.

* Tell your child the truth but do so gently and keep conversations age appropriate. If you do not know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so.

* Remind your child there are others in their daily lives who may be impacted by the tragedy. Talk to your child about the need to treat others with compassion and empathy during these times.

* Maintaining daily routines can provide a sense of stability and security for children and adults.

Russell and Davidson said: “The Provincial Government and neighbouring districts have also stepped up and offered counselling supports for our impacted students and staff.”

In addition, community resources are available.  If needed:

* Twenty-four-hour assistance centre at Douglas Park Community Centre at 801 West 22nd Avenue. Vancouver Police Department officers and Victim Services professionals are on-site to offer support. VPD support can also be reached at 604-717-3331.

* VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, seven days a week by:

– Phone/Text: 1-800-563-0808

– Email: 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca

– 310 Mental Health Line at 310-6789

– Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433

* Lumara Grief and Bereavement Care Society – https://lumarasociety.org/