Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are writing with heavy hearts regarding a tragic situation affecting a school in Tumbler Ridge, a community we are closely connected to through basketball and shared relationships. A school shooting there has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. This news is deeply distressing, and many of our students may be impacted emotionally, whether through friendships, sports connections, social media, or simply from hearing about such a traumatic event.
While this tragedy did not occur at our school, it is close to our community, and we want to be proactive in supporting our students.
Available to Omega students, we have set up a Student Support Room at school. This room will be staffed throughout the day and available to any student who needs a quiet space, a break, or someone to talk to. Staff members, along with Pastor Jared and Pastor Steve, will be present to provide care, prayer, and emotional support. We will also connect with students at the Alpha Campus and provide support there as well.
Students may have a wide range of reactions to news like this. Some may feel sadness, fear, anger, confusion, or anxiety, while others may seem unaffected at first. All of these responses can be normal. You may notice changes such as withdrawal, tearfulness, irritability, trouble concentrating, or questions about safety. We encourage you to talk openly with your child, listen carefully, and reassure them that they are safe and supported.
If your child needs additional help beyond what we are able to provide at school, we can assist you in connecting with community support services. Please contact the school office if you would like guidance.
As a Christian school community, we are holding the Tumbler Ridge school, the affected families, first responders, and the entire community in prayer during this heartbreaking time. We also pray for our own students as they process what has happened.
We will share any further information that is appropriate for our school community as it becomes available.
Thank you for partnering with us to care for our students.
With care and prayer,
Eva Burrell
Principal
