Support being offered to LDSB students after news of mass school shooting in BC

Director of Education Krishna Burra says the safety and well-being of students and staff remain the Board's top priority.

The Limestone District School Board are going to be offering support for students and their families in the wake of the mass school shooting in British Columbia.

The board announced on Wednesday that their educational services team will be available as needed.

In a news release, Director of Education Krishna Burra says the Board is deeply saddened by the horrific events that took place in Tumbler Ridge, a community northeast of Prince George.

He goes on to say that no words can adequately express their condolences to those affected and their hearts are with the students, families, and community members who have been directly impacted by this awful event.

Burra says the safety and well-being of students and staff remain the Board's top priority.

In the same news release, the educational services team offered a few tips for parents and staff:

• Recognize that students may become concerned that something bad will happen to themselves, family, or friends. Explain that safety measures are in place and reassure them that you and other adults will take care of them. 
• If your student is not focused on what happened, avoid dwelling on it or having detailed adult conversations in front of younger students. However, be available to answer questions to the best of your ability. Young students may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour or social interactions. 
• For some, limiting exposure to media coverage or other sources of information may be important, particularly when social media platforms contain significant amounts of misinformation or disinformation. Images of a horrific event can become overwhelming, especially if watched repetitively. Young students may not be able to distinguish between images on television or their screen, and their personal reality. For older students who choose to watch the news or scroll social media stories related to the event, be available to discuss what they see and to help put it into perspective. 
• Be aware of your own needs. Do not ignore your own feelings of anxiety and concern or anger. Talking to friends, family members, and mental health counsellors can help. You will be better able to support others if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner. 

Ten people died including the suspected shooter, and 25 more were injured in the shooting. Seven were killed at the school, two more at a home believed to be where the shooter lived.

Police are investigating the motive behind the shooting.

Story by Ken Hashizume