Family message on hate-motivated attack in London
Dear families,
We are deeply troubled and saddened by the hate-motivated Islamophobic murder of four members of a family in London, Ontario. This was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate, and the victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith.
The attack highlighted the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for everyone in our schools and workplaces. To honour its victims, our schools and administrative buildings will lower flags to half-mast.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those affected, as well as to Muslim communities who are grieving and mourning. We mourn and grieve with you. Incidents like this are heart-breaking reminders that Islamophobia is deadly, that it is a reality in our country, and that we must fight against it.
We recognize that this horrific act also impacts Muslim students, families and staff, who may be feeling scared and unsafe. HWDSB supports our students, families and staff and committee to combat Islamophobia, hate and discrimination in all of its forms.
HWDSB is committed to your child’s safety and well-being. Our diversity – in our race, religion, ethnicity, abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression – is our strength. We take our responsibility for student safety and well-being very seriously.
As students and families, we want you to know that you have our support. School staff can offer support to students. If a family is concerned about a child, please contact your school principal or vice-principal, who can consult a social worker.
Our Social Work Services team, who can help if your child is struggling, has developed a resource with Tips for adults supporting children after tragic world events.
Thank you for supporting children and youth as well as each other.
At HWDSB, we all belong.
Sincerely,
Dawn Danko
Chair of the Board
Manny Figueiredo
Director of Education
Updated on Tuesday, June 08, 2021.