Nova Scotia is reeling after an unimaginable tragedy. If we as adults can’t understand it, how can we possibly explain it to our children?
I received an email from the Strait Regional Centre for Education that I thought had some great resources and I wanted to share it with you.
Dear Students and Families:
The SRCE extends our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the RCMP and all families, friends and communities affected by the tragedy that occurred this past weekend. Our thoughts are with all of them during this very difficult and sad time of loss.
There really are no words to describe how we all are feeling following this horrific tragedy. As a reminder, for our children, youth and families needing support, please note the following resources:
Guidance counsellors, school psychologists, and SchoolsPlus staff are a few of the supports available for our children and youth.
Please email your respective school guidance counsellor and/or email your school administration to connect with the appropriate school psychologist.
SchoolsPlus staff are also available to support children, youth and families and help you access mental health supports and other services you may need, Please refer to the Parents/Guardians page of the SRCE website for their contact information at https://srce.ca/content/parentsguardians
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7, by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free). Children and youth may text TALK to 686868 and adults may text WELLNESS to 741741.
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll free)
Talking with Children
When talking with children in the aftermath of a tragedy, the objective is to help them feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security. For tips for families and teachers on how to talk to children about violence, click here.
Sincerely,
Paul Landry
Regional Executive Director of Education
