Dear Parents and Carers,

It is with the saddest of hearts that I write in our newsletter today. Keelan Glasgow, a student who graduated from St Mary’s last year, tragically died in an all-terrain vehicle accident on Saturday evening. Keelan will be remembered as a young man full of life who was fiercely loyal to his mates. Our most sincere prayers and thoughts are with Trent, Carlie, Kade, Kelsie and all members of the Glasglow and Nicholson families on the loss of their treasured young man. 

Today and over the coming months, you might be worried about your child. Reactions and feelings can vary. This is part of how we respond to a traumatic death. Tell your child you know that a student has died. Tell them you will listen to their concerns. Stay connected with your child. It’s one of the best ways to support them. 

Your child might like to talk with a counsellor, or class teacher or trusted staff member. We have extra counsellor support today with Emma McRae and Danielle Hudson at St Mary’s working with groups of students. If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s class teacher or the school and we will arrange support. Emma McRae will also return to St Mary’s on Wednesday.

Please join me in praying for Keelan who is now with our Heavenly Father. Join me in praying for his family, that they find strength in God’s love, in our community and in each other as they begin to come to terms with their loss.

Lord, Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Amen.

Phil Nielsen

Principal