Chapter 4: After a student’s death from suicide

Supporting student and staff grief


What the grief expert says
Lysa Toye, social worker, psychotherapist, talks about how tragedies provide an entry point to building compassion together.(3:22)Video transcript

“It felt surreal to be driving past her house and knowing that I would never stop there again to pick her up. I just couldn’t believe it. Friday afternoon I dropped her off and said, ‘Have a good weekend Beth.’ Monday Beth had died by suicide. I wish I had known something, anything, any sign I could have alerted the school to”. – Bus driver 

A death from suicide affects everyone in your school community, even those who weren’t close to the person who died. It’s important to provide a respectful and compassionate response to all student and staff grief. Below are three suggestions to help in supporting your students, colleagues and yourself after a student suicide. 

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