Testimonials
In Royal Oak Middle School we have had a number of our current students lose parents and custodial grandparents, among a variety of other losses. Needless to say, these losses have been a major crisis for each of the children and their families. For professional direction and support for the children and their families we have turned to the Friends of the Living and Learning Through Loss Society.
Our partnership with the Friends of the Living and Learning Through Loss Society has provided a much needed knowledgeable resource and educational support for many of our students including those most in need. As well, the developmental work that the LTL society has done with our Grade Eight students and with educators within our district has enriched our learning community bringing a deeper level of understanding regarding how to optimally support those among us through loss. The LTL society brings a specialized body of knowledge and experience to our community which increases and deepens the support that we can offer our students and families in our school and district.
Doug Mollard, PhD
Counsellor
Royal Oak Middle School
President of the Saanich Counsellor’s Local Specialist Association
Our partnership with the Friends of the Living and Learning Through Loss Society has provided a much needed knowledgeable resource and educational support for many of our students including those most in need. As well, the developmental work that the LTL society has done with our Grade Eight students and with educators within our district has enriched our learning community bringing a deeper level of understanding regarding how to optimally support those among us through loss. The LTL society brings a specialized body of knowledge and experience to our community which increases and deepens the support that we can offer our students and families in our school and district.
Doug Mollard, PhD
Counsellor
Royal Oak Middle School
President of the Saanich Counsellor’s Local Specialist Association
"I could understand myself and others better"
Grade 8 student, Royal Oak This program has been an essential service that we have referred many of our students and families to over the years. Whether students have experienced divorce, moving, death of a pet or loved one, the first referral our counselors make is to the Living and Learning Through Loss Program. The fact that there is no fee associated with the services opens up the access for all of our students, especially our most vulnerable.
Tina Pierik Student Advocate, SD # 63 “In a short time the facilitator was able to cover a lot of ground, and provided useful/practical tips”
Community Education participant |
I have experienced quite a bit of grief and loss in my life and I never thought twice about how it has affected me. My school counselor has helped me through a lot. She told me she and another person were going to be running a program called “Grief and loss” and in this program they were going to help students understand and cope with grief and loss. Attending the program not only made me realize and help me understand my grief and loss, but that everyone deals with it differently. They helped me understand how my own emotions worked, how I could realize when I was about to breakdown or get upset and angry, and what I could do to calm myself down. I also learned how I mask my own emotions. We practiced and exercised different strategies. Another thing I learned from the group is that I’m not alone. A lot of people in my class and around me are going through the same thing. Everyone shows emotions differently and I learned how to recognize that as well. At first I will admit I was not certain of going to the group because I was afraid I would be out of place or embarrassed about sharing my experiences. But I soon learned, you only share what you feel is comfortable. Group was amazing and I learned so much. I enjoyed it more then I ever thought I would. Having the people around you to share and reflect off of and just to take a couple hours out of the week really helped me with not only my grief and loss but a lot of other things I didn’t understand about myself. If you ever get a chance to be a part of this group, I highly suggest you grasp the opportunity! If you are a creator, funder, or even supporter of this group I greatly appreciate all the time, effort, and financial resources. Thank you so much for everything. Lorraine, student at Pacific Secondary School |
We see grief awareness and education as an essential life skill and strive to have grief support integrated into the fabric of our communities.
