October 4, 2011
Dear Parents & Guardians (of Keating Elementary in Saanich):

Today, I need to share some very sad news with you.  Some of you may already have this information, but it is important for all of us to know because this affects all of us in some way.  Unfortunately, this news comes with great sadness; I regretfully inform you that Mme Marilyn Pinder has passed away.

Many of you have known Mme Pinder very closely in her many roles as an educator in Saanich School District.  You may have known her personally as your teacher, your child's teacher, colleague, friend, Administrator, Educational Leader within the district as champion for the French Language, Mathematics and Kids.  You may have even known her as the enthusiastic fan at the Little League baseball games.

Mme Pinder has been an educator for 33 years and you know how much she loved kids and teaching.  We will all miss her. 

As you can imagine, this news will affect students and staff in many different ways.  We have our District Critical Incident Team, made up of District support and counselling staff, psychologists, and counsellors from other schools in the school today and in the days ahead to provide as much support as students and staff need.  Students have been told how to access this support whenever they feel it is needed. 

Your child may have questions, concerns or fears that they need help dealing with. They may express their emotions in a variety of ways in the days ahead.  The following suggestions may help you support your child.  

• Be sensitive to their need to talk.
• Bring up the subject in case they are reluctant to do so.  
• Ask about their reactions and accept those feelings as stated.  Simply listen.
• Be concrete with your answers and allow them some time to process.
• Be emotionally available and non-judgmental.
• Allow them to move in and out of the grieving process at their own pace.

Feel free to contact the school if you feel we need to know something about your child, or if you are wondering about the support we can provide.  We want to support Mme Pinder's family as they deal with this tragic loss.  At this time we do not know when there will be a service to celebrate Mme Pinder's life, but will communicate that as soon as I know.  Until then, please respect the family's need for privacy.

We do have a wonderful, supportive and caring community.  I know you join us in sending our condolences to Mme Pinder's family.  Together we will find ways to support the Pinder family and the students and adults that need help.

Respectfully,
Mr. Mark Notte
Principal

Attachments:

Pinder; Letter for Parents Guardians.pdf

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