Talking about War and Conflict

Dear Abbotsford School District families,

This past week has been a difficult time with the invasion of Ukraine. Children, youth and even adults may experience a range of emotions when they hear about or see images and videos from these deeply upsetting events. I wanted to reach out to share available supports, should you find them of use.

Adults play a key role in helping children make sense of the world and feel safe. Having conversations can help. The resources we are sharing have been designed to help our families with strategies for having conversations with children and teens about the troubling events they hear about online, in conversation with classmates, through social media and even traditional media outlets.

• How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.
• Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children: This article from the American Psychological Association can help adults guide their young children beyond fear and to resilience.
• Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children: The American Psychological Association breaks out tips and strategies for parents and teachers of middle school-aged children.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Provides resources that can be filtered by topic or keyword and by audience with a focus on how adults can identify traumatic responses in young people and how to support them.

If you're concerned about how your child is doing, our school counsellors are always available to support anyone coping with deep emotions. Additionally, there is help in our community.

Mental Health and Wellness Resources

• START: 1-844-START1
• Kid’s Help Phone | Phone: 1-800-668-6868,
• Fraser Health Crisis Line: 604-951-8855 or 1-877-820-7444 (toll-free)
• Crisis Line for Indigenous Elders, Adults and Youth | Phone: 1-800-588-8717
• Youth in BC

Counselling Support and Information

• Abbotsford Foundry
• Foundry BC

I know that some in our community have ties to the impacted region and may be especially worried about their loved ones. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. While this continues to be an uncertain time for all, we will continue to do what we can to support our entire Abbotsford School District community, and we will continue to prioritize the mental health and the well-being of students, their families, teachers and staff.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin Godden
Superintendent of Schools