Day 4

On Day 4, carefully analyze what is happening in the school. Do not rush to the end of the intervention period. Keeping the protocol in place does not mean that you are delaying the return to normal. Rather, it shows kindness and respect, and it preempts future negative consequences.

If many students are still in the grips of strong emotions, the school should continue offering support. If only those closely related to the deceased person are still reacting, consider offering targeted interventions for them.

Four days have passed, perhaps six including a weekend. It is now time to contact the family again, including siblings who attend the school. You need to take stock of the interventions offered so far and to see whether further interventions are needed to support the family.

Use this opportunity to hand them the collective creations that were left at the commemoration site, and to address important topics such as the recovery of the deceased person’s belongings. You may also want to find out about the upcoming funeral rites in order to inform staff and students, and tell the family about the commemoration activity that is being planned at the school. (See Day 6 for information on the symbolic collective commemoration activity.)

Note that the commemoration is generally reserved for students and staff in order to allow them to express emotions and reactions.

At the end of the day, take the time to assess actions and emotions in order to adjust for the following days.