MCHS Mourns the Loss of Josi Mullholland

April 4, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Josiphine Mullholand, a member of our LAWS program. She passed away earlier this week unexpectedly.

Josi was loved by her teams at both Memorial Composite High School and École Broxton Park School. We all will have many fond memories of our time with Josi. Josi loved the swings, being with her friends, and sorting her favorite toys while watching Mickey Mouse ClubHouse. 

During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Josi's family, classmates, and loved ones. We recognize that grief affects each of us differently, and we encourage everyone to support each other and seek assistance from our counseling services if needed. Counsellors have been made available for as long as needed.

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. Many factors influence our reaction to death: who, how or why it happened, the support system available, age, personality, and especially previous loss experience. Your child may or may not become distraught as a result of learning about this tragedy. For your information, we have included some information which provides suggestions for helping children grieve.

Parents/Guardians, 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.
• Create opportunities for your children to talk about what happened and how they are feeling.
• Encourage positive self-care activities specific to your child’s preferences. Examples could be physical activity, journaling, artwork, or positive and supportive time with people they care about.
• 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.

If you have any concerns regarding your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Sincerely,

Ms. Carolyn Jensen, Principal
Memorial Composite High School