Dear Parent/Guardian,
It is with a deep sense of sadness that I inform you of the sudden and tragic death of Nathan Lawlor, one of our 5th Year students in Coláiste na Trócaire. We learned of this sad news on Sunday, 17 November 2019.
As a close school community, we are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Nathan’s family and friends. May he rest in peace. This is a terrible tragedy for the Hough and Lawlor families and for our school community.
Nathan was an excellent student who enjoyed the company and support of a great group of friends. He will be greatly missed by his friends, fellow students, staff and the wider school community of Coláiste na Trócaire.
Our school has implemented its Critical Incident Management Plan. Staff of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) and psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) are supporting and advising school leadership and teachers in their support of students and their families on managing this tragic loss.
As you can appreciate, students need support at this very difficult time. As a consequence of this tragedy, it is possible that your son/daughter may have some feelings and questions that he/she may like to discuss with you. You can help your son/daughter by taking time to listen and by encouraging them to express their feelings.
All teenagers are different and will express their feelings in different ways. Over the course of the coming days, please keep an eye on your son/daughter and allow him/her to express their feelings in a supportive environment. Here is a link to an information sheet on how best to support your son/daughter during this difficult time. If you feel the need, please take time to read through this with your child.
Young people frequently turn to social media to see what others are saying, or to find out more. At these times it is important that you monitor their use and engage with them about what they read. We urge you to emphasise and reinforce the need to be extremely sensitive and careful about what they post.
Although classes will continue as usual, I anticipate that the next few days will be difficult for everyone. We are aware that some students may need additional support at this difficult time. If your son/daughter needs support by way of 1:1 counselling, please email me on michael.behan@lcetb.ie. I will then arrange for this support to be available at the school. Our Student Support Team, Guidance Counsellors and external support services will be available in our school from Monday morning to support our students at this sad time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Michael Behan
Principal
