‘The girls are not doing well’

Deaths spark concern over students’ mental well-being

SOME PARENTS are expressing grave concerns over the mental well-being of their daughters who attend a prestigious Corporate Area all-girls high school following the deaths of two students within a near three-month window.

The latest death occurred on Wednesday, and information reaching The Gleaner is that the other occurred earlier this year.

“The girls haven’t have time to properly process the first death and then here we are again. They are hit with more death, further plunging them into mourning,” a parent told The Gleaner yesterday.

A copy of a letter dated March 20, 2024, sent to the school community, has been obtained by The Gleaner.

“It is with sadness that I have to once again share with the school community that another one of our students (name omitted by this newspaper) of Grade 10 passed this morning. We ask that you keep her family in your prayers and assist with support of her friends, classmates, and school community at large,” the letter, written by the school’s principal, read.

The Gleaner made unsuccessful efforts to speak with the headmistress.

A member of staff who requested anonymity because she was not authorised to speak with the media said the school is going through a rough time.

‘HUGGING UP’ THE INFORMATION

The cause of death of the girls was not revealed.

Another parent told The Gleaner that part of the difficulty was how the school, seemingly, was “hugging up” the information.

“The girls are not doing well … . The funeral for the first don’t happen as yet … these are young children. We as parents are hearing all manner of things that led to the death of one of the girls, but I will not say because I don’t want to feed into some of the rumours. The school community has and is providing counselling for the students and staff, so we are hoping they will cope,” the parent said.

The Gleaner understands that senior members of the Ministry of Health and Wellness visited the school recently and spoke to the stakeholders.

Though the circumstances may be different, on March 4 the Ministry of Education and Youth, through Minister Fayval Williams, reiterated that it remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of students across all the regions.

This followed the tragic and untimely deaths of two 16-year-old students, Kimora Williams of Dolphin Street, Bogue Village, in St James, and grade 11 student Tara Dennis, who attended the Little London High School in Westmoreland.

Williams is suspected to have died by suicide, and Dennis was shot and killed at her home early on Saturday, March 2.

The education minister urged school personnel, parents, and all who have duty of care for children to be watchful for any early signs of health challenges.

‘The girls are not doing well … . The funeral for the first don’t happen as yet … these are young children. We as parents are hearing all manner of things that led to the death of one of the girls ... .’