April 28, 2025
UPDATE – Message regarding the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy
mini传媒 extends its deepest condolences to the Filipino community and Metro Vancouver residents who were affected by the senseless and tragic events at yesterday’s, April 26, Lapu Lapu Day celebration.
In the face of such sadness, we hope you will find comfort in the love and support of those around you.
Second Letter from the Board Chair and Superintendent
Dear Families:
It is with profound sadness that we share news that Kira Salim, teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School, was among those who lost their lives in the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day tragedy.
Kira was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle and secondary school students had a powerful impact. Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives.
The loss of our friend and colleague has left us all shocked and heartbroken. We extend our deepest condolences to Kira鈥檚 family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them.
We recognize Kira鈥檚 passing may be difficult to process and that many at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary will feel the weight of this loss. If your child or a member of your family is struggling, please reach out to your school counsellor for support.
To help your child and family cope, we would like to share some methods provided by you can use to guide conversations during this difficult time.
- Limit your child鈥檚 exposure to social media and news stories about the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy. Depending on their age and development, children may feel overwhelmed by traumatic news coverage and imagery.
- Acknowledge your child鈥檚 feelings and your own to help them process events and know that it is normal to experience a range emotions when confronted with upsetting situations.
- Listen to your child鈥檚 concerns before offering explanations. Let them voice their fears and ask age-appropriate, open-ended questions. Ask them what they may have heard and what that information means to them. These questions will help you uncover misconceptions and unfounded fears that may need correcting. Questions will also indicate to you what your child may need from adults to feel safe and supported.
- Tell your child the truth but do so gently and keep conversations age appropriate. If you do not know the answer to a question, don鈥檛 be afraid to say so.
- Remind your child there are others in their daily lives who may be impacted by the tragedy. Talk to your child about the need to treat others with compassion and empathy during these times.聽
- Maintaining daily routines can provide a sense of stability and security for children and adults.
The Provincial Government and neighbouring districts have also stepped up and offered counselling supports for our impacted students and staff.
In addition, as mentioned before, community resources are available. If needed:
- Twenty-four-hour assistance centre at Douglas Park Community Centre at 801 West 22nd Avenue. Vancouver Police Department officers and Victim Services professionals are on-site to offer support. VPD support can also be reached at 604-717-3331.
- VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, seven days a week by:
- Phone/Text: 1-800-563-0808
- Email: 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca
- 310 Mental Health Line at 310-6789
- Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433
- Lumara Grief and Bereavement Care Society –
We are a small but mighty community. This is one of the qualities of New Westminster that Kira loved the most. Let us honour them by turning to each other and, through our grief, using the strength and resilience of our community to heal.
With Love,
Maya Russell
Chair, Board of Education
Mark Davidson
Superintendent of Schools
First Letter from the Board Chair and Superintendent
Dear Families:
It is with a heavy heart that we reach out to you about the recent tragedy that happened on Saturday night at the Lapu Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver. The heartbreaking events that transpired affected the Filipino community and every resident in Metro Vancouver, whether directly or indirectly, and this includes many of our own. We want to take a moment to express our deepest condolences to all who are grieving during this difficult time.
The days ahead may present challenges for many of us, as media coverage continues, and potentially traumatic images circulate on social media. We strongly discourage students from viewing and sharing such content and encourage them to report anything disturbing they see to a teacher or the school office.
Processing loss of such magnitude can be incredibly difficult, and we want to ensure every student has the support they need. If your child or family is struggling, please reach out to your school counsellor for support. Additional district and community counselling resources are available to those who need them.
Community resources have also been mobilized for those impacted by this tragedy:
- Twenty-four-hour assistance centre at Douglas Park Community Centre at 801 West 22nd Avenue. Vancouver Police Department officers and Victim Services professionals are on-site to offer support. VPD support can also be reached at 604-717-3331.
- VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, seven days a week by:
- Phone/Text: 1-800-563-0808
- Email: 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca
- 310 Mental Health Line at 310-6789
- Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433
In times like these, it is important to lean on each other and we want you to know that we are here for you.
Sincerely,
Maya Russell
Chair, Board of Education
Mark Davidson
Superintendent of Schools