Response to Sri Lanka Tragedy
A message from Manny Figueiredo, Director of Education, in response to the tragic event in Sri Lanka:
On Easter Sunday, April 21, the island country of Sri Lanka fell victim to a horrific act by terrorists who killed more than 290 and injured more than 500 civilians in hotels and churches. These numbers continue to rise. Many of these innocent and targeted Sri Lankans were Christians gathered in a place of worship to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We stand together as one community as we continue to denounce these acts of violence and hate. We are joined in solidarity with those who seek peace, freedom, and the right to practice the religion of choice. No one should ever live or worship in fear.
Flags will be lowered to half-staff in all HWDSB sites at the beginning of Tuesday, April 23 to the end of Thursday, April 25, 2019.
Our hearts are heavy as we share our sincere condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Students and families in Hamilton who have connections to their home in Sri Lanka will be among the population that requires additional support.
Tips on how to support students after tragic events are available for parents to reference.
Additional support is available at your child’s school. Contact your child’s teacher or principal.
Our ability to help during difficult times can be shown through actions of kindness and compassion. These tragic events must not weaken our hope for a better world but rather unite us in our standards of humanity and care for one another.
Updated on Monday, April 22, 2019.