Acknowledging Student, Staff and Trustee Deaths and Bereavements

Objective

To ensure that in the event of the death of a student, or a current or former staff member or Trustee, appropriate acknowledgement is made on behalf of the Division.

To ensure that, when the learning or working environment is impacted by a death, support is available for students and staff affected by the loss.

Definitions

Critical Incident Support Services Team (CISS) is comprised of a number of Division social workers and psychologists who provide assistance in supporting students and staff dealing with grief and loss resulting from a traumatic incident such as a death of a member of the school or work place.

Close family member includes spouse/partner, son/in-law or daughter/in-law, and parent/in-law or equivalent.

Responsibility

1. The principal shall be responsible for acknowledging and responding to the death of a student in accordance with this administrative regulation.
    
2. Human Resources shall be responsible for acknowledging:
   1. the death of a current or former staff member or Trustee; and
   2. the bereavement of a staff member or trustee suffering the loss of a close family member, in accordance with this regulation. 

Regulation

1. DEATH OF A CURRENT STUDENT 
   1. The principal or a designate, on notice of the death of a student attending the school shall:contact District Support Services for advice and assistance on protocol for acknowledging and responding to the death of a student;
      1. determine what information is appropriate to be shared with the school community in consultation with and the permission of the deceased’s family;
      2. coordinate the extension of condolences on behalf of the school community and Division with consideration for the wishes of the family regarding the school’s involvement;
      3. inform the Assistant Superintendent of Schools of the death and of the school’s plans, and, if appropriate, request a condolence message be sent to the family from the Superintendent of Schools on behalf of the Division and Board of Trustees; and
      4. ensure that all student information systems and administrative processes are updated to reflect the student’s status in a timely manner. 
   2. District Support Services shall provide principals with advice and assistance on protocol for acknowledging and responding to the death of a student and prepare a Trustee Transmittal Memorandum to inform the Board of Trustees of a student death.
2. DEATH OF A CURRENT OR FORMER STAFF MEMBER OR TRUSTEE
   1. Human Resources shall on notice of the death of a:
      1. staff member, trustee, or former trustee:
         1. arrange for an appropriate acknowledgement to the bereaved family on behalf of the Division.
         2. prepare and issue a notice of bereavement for Trustee Transmittal Memorandum, Staff Room Remembrances, and a public Board report.
      2. former staff member, prepare and issue a notice of bereavement for Trustee Transmittal Memorandum and Staff Room Remembrances.
   2.  Staff members who become aware of the death of a former staff member or trustee are encouraged to notify Human Resources to assist in ensuring appropriate acknowledgement.
3.  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF A STAFF MEMBER OR TRUSTEE BEREAVEMENT
   1.  A principal/Decision Unit Administrator who is aware of a staff member or trustee who has suffered the loss of a close family member shall, when appropriate, request Human Resources facilitate a condolence message from the Superintendent of Schools on behalf of the Division and Board of Trustees. 
4.  IMPACT OF A STUDENT OR STAFF DEATH ON THE LEARNING OR WORKING ENVIRONMENT
   
   The death of a student or staff member can have a significant impact on the learning and working environment. 
   1.  The principal/Decision Unit Administrator shall coordinate an appropriate response to support students and staff impacted by a death within their school or work community. 
      
      
   2.  District Support Services may provide principals/Decision Unit Administrators assistance in activating the CISS Team who will provide support in responding to a student or staff member death such as:
      • a communication plan and strategies to inform staff and students;
      • provision of grief counseling for affected students or staff;
      • provide information about supports through the Employee and Family Assistance Program to staff members;
      • considerations for any contemplated school or work place memorial service; and
      • offering assistance to parents and other members of the school community by referring them to appropriate community agencies.

References