Guidance for an initial response

What should I do in the first instance?
In this section, we hope to offer some suggestions and resources that may help guide your initial response.

In the first instance, your school community should gather as soon as is possible: the speed at which information travels because of social media is inescapable and it will be your sincere hope that young people find out what has happened in a secure environment surrounded by people that they trust.

You may find it helpful for the following actions to form part of your immediate response:

1. Gather all staff and communicate what has happened.
2. Communicating to children/young people: stick to the facts and communicate these using clear language (especially for younger children) and ensure that the message is consistent (one person may be asked to deliver the news). You'll find examples of how to communicate this for Primary by clicking here and for Secondary by clicking here. 
3. Prayer: join together in a simple prayer, something familiar and not too long ( Our Father, Eternal Rest, Sign of Peace). 
4. Communication with the family- specifically relatives within the school. 
5. A letter to inform parents of what has happened (template below)
6. Sending a Mass Card to immediate family (printable templates below which your PP/Chaplain should be asked to sign)

Please also remember to contact your Parish Priest/School Chaplain. You may also wish to contact the Archdiocese/Diocese for further support or advice. 

Short Time of Prayer

Sad News Template letter for Parents/Carers

Printable Mass Card Option 1

Printable Mass Card Option 2