March 28, 2021

Dear North Vancouver School District Students, Parents/Guardians and Staff,

On Saturday, March 27, 2021, a serious police incident took place at Lynn Valley Village that involved multiple members of the North Vancouver community. This included a member of the North Vancouver School District, a teacher at Argyle Secondary School, Ms. Klausen, who was injured during the incident. We are saddened and shocked by this, but we are also relieved to be able to share with you that Ms. Klausen is expected to make a full recovery.

We are aware of other members of our parent/guardian community that were also directly impacted by this incident. Furthermore, a number of students were in the area and witnessed the incident unfold and will be indirectly impacted by the experience. Our thoughts go out to all members of the NVSD community who has been affected by this tragedy.

We are sensitive to the fact that such an incident has an impact on students and staff. To support our school communities, counsellors from the School District Critical Incident Team are available to assist students individually or in small groups. Counselling support is also available to school district staff.

I encourage you to openly discuss with your child their reactions, concerns and feelings and to please contact your school principal should you believe your child needs additional support. If you should determine that your child needs further professional support, if applicable, please check with your employer-sponsored employee benefits plan to determine the types of benefits available, including whether an employee and family assistance program is an option. If you do not have extended benefits, please find contact information of local agencies that are available to assist you:

• North Shore Emergency Management is offering a North Shore Wellness & Resilience Centre located out of the Karen Magnussen Community Recreation Centre between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. starting Monday, March 29. The Centre will be a space for members of the North Shore community to access wellness supports.
• Foundry North Shore provides virtual drop-in support for youth aged 12 to 24. Call 604.984.5060 to arrange a Zoom call.
• Family Services of the North Shore at 604.988.5281
• Hollyburn Family Services at 604.987.8211

Lastly, I've included some links you may find useful:

• Responding to Stressful Events: Helping Teens Cope
  
• Responding to Stressful Events: Helping Children Cope
• Responding to Stressful Events: Taking Care of Ourselves, Our Families and Our Communities
• Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events
• Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health (NVSD)

As this incident will be felt across the school district and larger North Vancouver community, I ask that we hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and that we work together to support our friends, family, neighbours, community members, colleagues and students during this time. North Vancouver is a strong, vibrant and caring community. I firmly believe that we, as a community, will rise up and support each other during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Mark Pearmain
Superintendent, North Vancouver School District