17/12/18
Dear Parent
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of the sudden death of Kai Corkum, a pupil in Chuckles who was involved in the road traffic accident on Thursday evening on the Movilla Road.
Today the teachers and I have spoken to our P3 to P7 classes about what has happened using guidance from the Education Authority’s critical incident team. Many children were already aware of what had happened and we reassured them all that this is something that does not happen very often.
Your child may or may not want to talk about it but it is likely that he/she will need extra love and support from you in the days ahead. This does not mean that anything is wrong with him/her. It only means that this traumatic event has been too powerful for him/her to deal with on his/her own. He/she may be feeling anxious. Take time to listen to your child and try to provide a predictable routine for him/her at home. Avoid too many absences to start with. We have information that may be useful for you on our website.
We are deeply saddened by this great loss but are trying, for the pupils’ sake, to keep the school environment as normal as possible. Over the coming days the following plans have been made.
Tuesday
The choir singing at Ards Shopping Centre on Tuesday afternoon has been cancelled.
Wednesday
With the blessing of the Corkum family, Castle Gardens will be open on Wednesday so that we can continue to provide support for our pupils through this very difficult time. Kai’s funeral will be held at 11am at S. Clarke & Son Funeral Directors in Newtownards and I have been in touch with the family regarding their wishes for the school’s representation at the service.
Chuckles will be closed on Wednesday so that staff can attend.
Thursday
We have rescheduled our Christmas Service for Thursday morning, inviting P1, P2 and Chuckles pupils along. Parents unfortunately cannot be accommodated but we will be arranging a similar type of service, perhaps at Easter, that you will be able to attend to see your children performing on stage.
Friday
Friday is the last day of term before the Christmas holidays. School finishes at 12pm and no school dinners will be available. It will be a Christmas jumper non-uniform day with all donations going to support the Corkum family through this tragedy. Please send money with the children that morning.
The bag pack planned for Friday will continue as planned.
Our thoughts are with Kai’s family at this tragic time and the school community sends them sincerest sympathy and support. If you require further clarification about our plans or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
J Gray
Principal
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