CFL Mourns the Loss of JoAnne Adam

December 18, 2024

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Jo-Anne Adam, our Junior High Learning Hub teacher. Mrs. Adam was kind, thoughtful, and compassionate and displayed a commitment and care for others which endeared her to her students. Our school community is saddened by the loss of a member of our school family. She was a beloved teacher at CFL for many years and a valued and active member of ATA Local 10.

We are ready to provide support as needed. In addition to our school-based counsellors, we are grateful for the assistance we are receiving from Parkland School Division’s Trauma Response Team. Some unfamiliar faces will be on hand at the Spruce Grove Campus to provide support and to encourage emotional health and well-being in the school community. We understand this is difficult news and should you wish to have your child attend, additional supports will be available throughout the remainder of this week. Alternatively, you know your child best and you are welcome to have them work from home.

We are aware that students process loss in different ways and we would encourage you to talk and listen to your children to assist them in understanding this loss.

Condolences on behalf of Connections for Learning have been sent to the family. They have been assured that our thoughts are with them now and in the coming days and weeks. 

Reach out and ask for help if you need to. While at school, that can be a trusted friend, teacher or counsellor. During evenings or weekends and as we head into an extended break over the holidays, it's important to note that community resources are also out there and available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Many services and supports are available 24/7 to both families and individuals in need. If needed, please contact:

Children and Adolescent Mental Health Crisis Line at (780) 407-1000.

Alternatively, you can refer to the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.

For a complete list of a wide array of community supports and services and other hotlines, please visit the Crisis Hotlines & Community Resources page on PSD's website.

Parents

You can provide valuable assistance to your children during this time. Here are some ideas to consider when talking about this sensitive topic:

• Be attentive to your child when he/she has questions and wants to talk; Listen to your child’s feelings and accept them, even if they are different from yours;
• Give honest, simple, brief answers; Make sure that your child understands your answers and the meaning that you intend;
• Use words or phrases that won’t confuse your child or make the world more frightening. For example: using the word ‘sleep’ for death can cause a child to be afraid of going to bed;
• Create opportunities for your children to talk with each other about what happened and how they are feeling; and
• Be especially loving and supporting; more than anyone else, your child needs you at this time.

Above all, listen to your children and let them know that their feelings are normal and acceptable.

Thank you for your continued support in the days ahead as our school community grieves this loss.

Sincerely, Travis McNaughton, Principal
Connections for Learning