End of procedures

You have assessed that the event does not warrant undergoing the entire exceptional event procedure.

However, the fact that you have thought about it suggests that a disturbing event is underway. It’s probably an event that affects one student and provokes a reaction among their peers.

This occurs for example when a student loses a parent or a teacher loses a child. When the event does not directly affect the heart of the school, it is no less important, but a different approach is warranted.

Example of a student experiencing the death of a parent

You can’t take action without talking to the student directly. Do they want you to talk to their class without them? Do they want all their classmates to know or just a few friends? Talking to the student is essential.

When preparing for their return to school, you should find out whether they need support. If so, what support can the school provide? Focus on the student’s actual needs, not on those you think they might have. To this end, good communication is essential throughout the school year.

If Mother’s Day is approaching, you might anticipate that the student will not want to participate in the planned activity. Talk to them directly, not just to your colleagues.

And remember: when an event affects the heart of the school, the school makes the required decisions. But when the event affects the heart of an individual, this person makes the decisions.