As you may or may not have heard, Berkley has experienced a very sad event that has effected our school community deeply.
This morning we were informed Ms Karen Anderson died suddenly at her home.
Karen has played a significant role as a teacher and leader at Berkley over many years and has touched the lives of a large number of people within our community. In particular we acknowledge the impact this situation will have on the learners in R28 and members of Rangahau team.
We are aware that our students and community will react in different ways to this event and of the need for us to work together to support our students at this time.
The most important thing we can suggest to you is to encourage discussion about the event, the feelings it gives rise to, and the range of ways of responding. Further information about different reactions and what might help for students and parents is available from our school office.
We can share with you that we are working with the Ministry of Education Trauma Team, and our staff have been briefed on our plans and guidelines both for discussing the event and understanding reactions to it.
Our staff and others will be available to the students who need special attention and support and we can obtain outside help if it is needed.
We will try to maintain as normal a routine as possible at school and we encourage you to do the same at home. If you feel that your child or family/whanau need assistance or anything else please contact us and we will do everything we can to help.
We know that you will join us in our sympathy for those effected by this very sad and sudden event.
Your support is greatly appreciated as we work through the difficult time.
