Past event
Past exceptional events are deaths for which the protocol has been deployed and completed. The actions taken should be assessed between 8 and 15 weeks after the event.
Although the intensity of the situation has decreased after a few days, it remains essential to maintain vigilance and mental health promotion measures throughout the school year and beyond, if needed.
Students who have requested support or who were identified as more vulnerable, as well as support workers and staff must be able to feel that they are still supported by a safety net.
The entire school community also deserves this attention, as some reactions may surface or intensify over time. A sustained and caring presence makes it possible to identify needs earlier and to offer adapted support.
Assessing the situation
Things usually go back to normal a few days after a death in a school. However, you should remain vigilant. Not talking about the event, or acting as if nothing happened, will not allow you to properly handle the aftermath or consequences of the event. After the initial emotional period can come a longer period of mourning.
Here’s how to approach the event.
Emailing teachers
Here is an example of an email that could be sent:
“Nine weeks ago, we experienced what we feared most in our usually quiet daily life: the death of young Catherine. We implemented many interventions, and it is now time to discuss your experience during the event and what you may still be experiencing today. Please join us on (date and place) to discuss these matters. Although this meeting is not mandatory, your presence will be highly appreciated. Your Emergency Committee.”
Student survey
Teachers should have their students fill out a survey at a time chosen by the Emergency Committee. Here is how teachers could introduce the survey to their students:
“Today we are going to do a special activity. We will take a moment to complete a new survey related to Catherine’s death. It is important that you consider each question carefully. If you need support, please write your name. If you are not interested in answering, leave the questionnaire blank, but know that your answers are extremely important to us. The intention is to find out how you are doing now. Your feedback will help us better prepare should a similar event occur again. Thank you very much.”
Give staff Survey #2 for the students
Survey #2
Students responded to Survey #1 just after the event. Survey #2 assesses their reactions several weeks later and monitors the most vulnerable students. According to the literature, young people are more likely to hide their emotions in school, as they are intimidated by their peers. The written survey is an opportunity for students to communicate their actual experience, emotions, and comments regarding the interventions.
It is important to allow students and absent staff to also complete this survey.
Meeting of school staff
This meeting gives staff an opportunity to express their feelings, their perceptions of the students and their analysis of the school’s actions. This helps the school document and evaluate its actions and draw lessons from the experience.