Elite Brisbane school rocked by sudden death of student

A Brisbane private school is grappling with the shock death of a student, with classes finishing early and multiple events cancelled.

All Hallows School on Tuesday announced the sudden death of a student. File picture

A Brisbane private school is grappling with the loss of a student who died by suicide at the weekend.

All Hallows’ School principal Catherine O’Kane sent an email to parents, caregivers and the extended school community on Tuesday afternoon that read: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Stella Medeiros-Hodge, Year 9 (Whitty), overnight on Sunday.

“Stella is the beloved daughter of Lucia and Iain and the sister of Isabella (Year 12).

“The family have shared with us that Stella died by suicide.

“At this very sad and difficult time, Stella’s family have requested privacy.

“I know that our community will respect this with the utmost sensitivity and care.

“I also encourage you to speak with your daughter about responding to this news with compassion and the thoughtful use of social media.”

Ms O’Kane said they understood a “tragic loss” like this may be “deeply confronting and confusing for your daughter and for you as a family”.

“Given the nature of this information, some students may exhibit a heightened emotional response and may want to seek answers or more information from you, their peers, or school staff,” Ms O’Kane said.

“When engaging in these discussions with your daughter, it is important to validate her feelings and queries and explore together how you can identify positive ways of managing this.”

An email was sent to parents of students on Tuesday. File picture

Ms O’Kane urged parents and caregivers that it was okay if they did not have the answers to her questions.

“ … below are links to services that may provide assistance. For many young people, being present with them and actively identifying strategies together builds trust and encourages help seeking,” she wrote.

“Furthermore, it is important to promote healthy ways of coping and to seek advice from a trusted adult if your daughter is worried about herself or a friend.”

Ms O’Kane said parents and caregivers may wish to monitor their daughter’s engagement with social media and the amount of time she was spending online.

“At school, our counselling team and additional counsellors are available, and a support room has been set up – details of this will be explained to students at school tomorrow,” she wrote.

“Appointments to see a school counsellor can be made in the normal way.”

Ms O’Kane said in addition, the school’s pastoral and teaching teams would continue to gently check in with students, both individually and in group settings, to monitor wellbeing and offer support as needed.

“Above all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your head of house if you have any concerns about your daughter or if there is anything for us to be aware of,” she wrote.

“Tomorrow, the chapel will be open at lunch time for any students or community members who wish to spend time in prayer and reflection.”

Ms O’Kane said if parents were worried about their daughter, she encouraged them to contact their local GP or the services listed in her email.

“I would like to thank you for your understanding regarding the need to not hold the scheduled parent student teacher meetings this afternoon,” she wrote.

“I also want to let you know that we have postponed the spirit week activities that were planned for the remainder of the week, and the Adderton house mass scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday morning) has been postponed.”

Ms O’Kane said they would provide updates regarding alternative arrangements for the listed events as soon as possible.

“At this time, it is our expectation that all other scheduled activities will continue as planned. I know that you will keep Stella and her family in your hearts and prayers and I will provide details of Stella’s funeral when these become available.

“The following prayer may offer a way for your family to come together in support during this time: Loving God, in times of sorrow and loss, you are with us. May your love surround the Medeiros-Hodge family, bringing comfort and strength. Help us to trust in your mercy and to carry Stella’s memory with love and grace. Be near to all who are grieving and grant us your peace. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Other Catholic schools are also reeling from the news.

Iona College has expressed its deepest sympathies over the tragic death.

The bayside college has itself grappled with the loss to suicide of two students in recent years.

“The entire Iona College community sends our love, prayers and support to our friends at All Hallows’ School, particularly the family and friends of Stella Medeiros-Hodge, as they come to terms with this terrible and tragic news,” the school posted on social media at 5pm Tuesday.

“May God’s strength and comfort be with you. May He bless you all, and take Stella into his care.”

Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said she was thinking of the family and school community, which she said would be devastated.

“There are just really no words for that family and what they’re going through this week that I could say that I think would even touch the pain,” Ms Camm said, at a press conference focused on the Commission of Inquiry into the state’s child safety system.

Ms Camm said there were multiple cases of youth suicides across the state and she said the broader Queensland community needed to reflect on what it could do to help young people feel heard and connected.

She said it was also important the education and childcare system were doing their best to ensure children were being protected.

Originally published as Elite Brisbane school rocked by sudden death of student