Fernwood Elementary School on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, released a newsletter on February 12, 2026, to provide families with mental health resources and upcoming schedule changes. The update follows a recent tragedy at a secondary school in Tumbler Ridge and outlines how local students can get extra support while continuing with regular school activities.
According to a letter from School District 64 (Gulf Islands), Associate Superintendent Boe Beardsmore is encouraging parents to help children process their feelings. This advice comes after a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10, 2026, which resulted in nine deaths and dozens of injuries. The district suggests that families limit how much news and social media children see regarding the event.
The Fernwood Elementary newsletter also confirms several changes to the school calendar for the coming week. The school will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, for the Family Day holiday. Students will also be sent home early at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, so teachers and students can work on learning updates together.
To help maintain a sense of routine, the school will hold a regular instructional day on Friday, February 20, 2026. This day will include a Fun Friday theme and a Pizza Day organized by the Parent Advisory Council. Families who feel their children need more help are encouraged to contact the school directly for student support services.
