Staff and students at Estevan's Comprehensive School (ECS) are in shock and mourning following a tragic incident that occurred in the school last Friday morning. Reports coming from the school indicate that a Grade 9 female student collapsed while engaged in a school activity, was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital by emergency medical attendants who were called to the scene, but later died from unreported causes. "We really don't have further comment to make out of respect for the girl's family who are undergoing a tremendously difficult time right now," said Lynn Little, South East Cornerstone School Division's superintendent of learning supports, who spoke on behalf of their administration. "Counselling services have been made available both at the Comprehensive School where she was newly enrolled and at the feeder school the school she attended last year," said Little. The counsellors, both in-school professionals as well as others from within the division, were made available to the students and staff members on Tuesday as well as today, "and as long as needed," said Little. "Our sympathy is extended to this young girl's family, friends, fellow students at this extremely difficult time," Little added. The superintendent said it was too early to comment on such things as the emergency response protocol and policies that were followed immediately following the incident. A more complete investigation is being conducted into the matter, but in the meantime, she said, the focus will remain on showing respect and sympathy for the family and as a result, she declined to identify the student at this point in the process.
