This has been a very difficult week for our College as we have been challenged by the heartbreaking news of the passing of Samuel Maddela. Our hearts are heavy, and we hold Samuel, and the Maddela family, in our thoughts and prayers.

In the midst of this profound sadness, we have also witnessed the very best of who we are. Our community has been an extraordinary source of support for one another. I have been deeply moved by the messages of gratitude from parents, and by the care and compassion shown so freely among staff and students alike.

I extend my sincere thanks to our staff, teaching and support, who have continued to show up each day with courage, kindness, and professionalism. They have accompanied our students, especially those who are most vulnerable as they navigate their own grief. Your presence, care, and quiet strength have made a significant difference.

In these moments of great sadness, I have been struck by the beautiful ways in which our students supported one another, with gentleness, empathy, and a deep sense of solidarity. These are signs of a truly Ignatian community: one that walks together, finding God even in times of sorrow, and responding with love.

One particularly poignant moment was when our Senior ACS students held a minutes silence and wore black armbands at their matches on Wednesday afternoon mark of respect and remembrance for Samuel. Photographs of this beautiful moment can be found below. I am particularly grateful to the staff and students of St. Michael’s Grammar school who held this moment of tribute in solidarity and respect.

We have been offered many pastoral and faith opportunities this week, moments to pause, to pray, and to be together. These have reminded us that we do not carry this alone.

I feel truly blessed to lead such a compassionate and faith-filled community. Thank you for all that you have given this week, and for being people for and with others in the most meaningful way.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another.

Managing Grief - Taking Care of our Students

We acknowledge that many members of our school community have found the news of the passing of Samuel Maddela (Year 10) deeply distressing and difficult to comprehend, and may continue to experience a range of emotions as they process this loss.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Samuel’s family and friends during this profoundly difficult time. It is important to recognise that the impact of such news may extend beyond immediate friendship groups, as some students may be affected due to their own experiences of loss or grief.

In supporting our young people through conversations about this matter, we ask that they are guided to respect the privacy of Samuel’s family, and to prioritise their own safety and wellbeing, as well as that of others.

We also encourage care in discussions. It can be distressing and unhelpful to focus on:

• details of how the death occurred
• speculation about why the death may have happened

Instead, it is more constructive to focus on:

• how your young person is feeling
• strategies that may assist them in managing their emotions

To support and guide these conversations, it may be helpful to gently redirect discussion using language such as:

• “Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am feeling somewhat ___ (for example, shocked, confused, saddened, or concerned) that such a tragedy could occur within our community. How are you feeling about this?”
• “It sounds as though you may be feeling ___ (for example, shocked, confused, saddened, or concerned) in response to this event. When I experience feelings such as these, I find that ___ (for example, listening to music or engaging in physical activity) can be helpful. What strategies do you find helpful?”

If you are concerned about your child or require additional support, please contact your child’s Head of House or the College Counselling Team at counsellors@loyola.vic.edu.au.

If your child would prefer to speak with someone outside of the school, support is available through Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or via www.eheadspace.org.au.

Finally, we encourage all students and their families to remain mindful of others’ feelings, to look out for one another, and to speak with a trusted adult, family member, or staff member if they are worried about themselves or others.