Shock at Melbourne’s prestigious Wesley College over student’s sudden death as principal sends emotional message to parents
A private school has been left in shock after one of its pupils committed suicide, with its headmaster urging parents to ‘stay in touch’ with their children following the tragedy.
Nick Evans, principal of Wesley College, sent an email to parents of students at the prestigious Melbourne school on Thursday afternoon.
The campus principal informed his classmates of the sad news on Thursday.
In Mr. Evan’s email, he wrote that the school was thinking of the child’s family and friends.
“Today and in the coming weeks, you may be concerned about your child’s reaction or expression of feelings to this news, even from a distance,” he wrote.
We also encourage you to let your young person know that you are aware of the incident and that you will listen to his or her concerns if he or she wishes to share them with you.
“Staying in touch and involved with your young person is one of the best ways to support him or her.”
A student at Melbourne’s prestigious Wesley College (pictured) has committed suicide
The principal said there are “two important messages” that parents need to “communicate.”
Mr Evan said the first is that people should ask for help “if we are feeling down or vulnerable” and secondly that students should tell an adult if they are worried about one of their friends.
As news of the tragedy broke, other schools in Melbourne, including Carey Grammar, reached out to their students and offered support to those who may have been feeling anxious.
Students are encouraged to contact an adult if they or someone they know needs help (Photo: Wesley College, Melbourne)
There were 801 suicides in Victoria last year, a five per cent increase on 2022.
The number of suicides among young people aged 18 and under has also increased.
In the coroner’s court factsthere was an 85.7 per cent increase in this age group, from 14 deaths in 2022 to 26 in 2023 in Victoria.
If you or someone you know is struggling or needs someone to talk to:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au
Child Helpline: 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au
Headroom: 1800 650 890 headroom.org.au