Berkeley Institute Express Condolences
The Berkeley Board of Governors expressed their sincere condolences to the immediate and extended family of their student, and explained some of the steps they took to assist their other students as they mourned the death of 15-year-old Kiara Paiva.
A spokesperson said, “On behalf of the Berkeley family, the Governing Body of The Berkeley Institute has acknowledged the loss of one of its students this Monday.
“It is with sincere sadness that we acknowledge this incident and note that it has had a profound effect on the Berkeley community.
“In response, to any crisis at the school, we have protocols that are immediately enacted. In the case of Monday’s event, several actions have been taken by the leadership of the school to support our students and faculty, all of whom have been deeply affected.
“This has included calling on school counsellors and additional counselling resources from throughout the Department of Education and the community. It was of utmost importance that we provided emotional and other support to our students and faculty immediately following the incident.
“In acts of mourning and binding the Berkeley family we:
- formed a prayer circle in the front of the school with all students, faculty and staff to recognize our loss and to uplift our family;
- had a moment of silence;
- lowered the school flag to fly at half-mast;
- provided an advisory period to students to allow for them to discuss and share their feelings, concerns or otherwise as necessary;
- provided private Support Rooms and counseling staff; and
- offered counselling support to any parent seeking and requiring assistance.
“The Berkeley Board of Governors expresses its sincere condolences to the immediate and extended family of our student and asks that the community respect this their time of mourning.”
