Please Read: Message on Keeping Our Students Safe

Dear Faculty & Staff,

Good evening everyone. I want you all to be aware of this heartbreaking news. This week, we learned of the tragic death of two grade 9 (year 10) twin sisters at the Australian International School (AIS), HCMC. These two girls are reported by the school to have taken their own lives. Although it is very difficult for any of us to contemplate that our children/students would consider taking their own lives, we know that suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers (CDC, 2009) and we must take this matter very seriously.

Despite all of our efforts, students periodically experience mental health challenges and when they do, we take action and utilize all of our resources to support the child. Many people assume that children and teens cannot be at risk for suicide, but children can exhibit warning signs as well. If a child is talking about suicide or wanting to die, always take them seriously. An event or problem that might not seem like a big deal to an adult can be extremely stressful for a child or teenager.

At this time, we need to be even more vigilant as suicide contagion (copycatting) is a concern for our students. Suicide contagion is the exposure to suicide or suicidal behaviors within one’s family, one’s peer group, or through media reports of suicide and can result in an increase in suicide and suicidal behaviors. Direct and indirect exposure to suicidal behavior has been shown to precede an increase in suicidal behavior in people at risk for suicide, especially in adolescents and young adults.

At SSIS, all student threats of suicide are taken seriously, even with elementary-age students. While we consider a student’s individual health issues, both physical and mental, to be confidential personal information, where concerns exist, it is our duty of care to work with the family and to set out such requirements as we feel will best protect and support the student. We have very clear protocols in place that we follow when these concerns arise.

I know that I don’t need to say this, but please remember that no one should ever agree to keep a student’s suicidal thoughts a secret and instead should tell the appropriate counselor or administrator.

What are the warning signs that a child is considering suicide?

The warning signs of suicide are not always obvious. If you observe one or more of these warning signs, especially if the behavior is new, has increased or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change, please report it to the school counselor. It’s always better to address and report a concern.

What can you do if you are concerned about a student?

• Remain calm.

• Reach out to the student and start a conversation.

• Focus on your concern for their well-being and avoid being accusatory.

• Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the child alone.

• Remove means for self-harm.

• Contact the counselor or principal immediately.

Next to their parents, you know these children best and if you have any concerns about their well-fare, please report it immediately, and we will always follow up.

I was again reminded this week that mental, physical, social and emotional well-being are the foundations of everything we do. Please take care of yourselves so that we can support these children in our care. If at this time, you need support of any nature, please reach out for help.

Lastly, please keep this AIS family and the AIS community in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

All good wishes,
Catriona