Pennant Hills High School students plan charity fundraising memorial for slain teenagers Jack and Jennifer Edwards
ONE of their own may have been taken, but students at Pennant Hills High School have united to support “every person” in their community rocked by the incomprehensible murders of Jack and Jennifer Edwards.
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ONE of their own may have been taken, but students at Pennant Hills High School have united to support “every person” in their community rocked by two incomprehensible murders.
The school will hold a fundraising event in memory of Pennant Hills High student, Jack, 15, and Gosford High School student, Jennifer Edwards, 13, who were murdered by their father John Edwards.
Edwards, a retired financial planner, entered his estranged wife’s house and shot dead his two children in a bedroom, about 5.30pm on Thursday.
“Our deepest condolences go out to any students, friends, family and teachers that are affected by such heartbreaking circumstances, and such a devastating event,” the student council said in a statement.
“As a school, we will find the strength to get through these unfathomable experiences and unite to support each and every person in the community.”
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A member of the student council told the Times his peers were also looking into options for a memorial service at the school, however plans were not complete.
“We are planning to hold a charity fundraiser event some time in term 3,” he said.
Students were escorted into Pennant Hills High School on Friday by staff, before several meetings were held to offer counselling during the school holidays.
Parents were issued with information to support students throughout the winter holidays, including access to the school counsellor.
Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock said although he had concerns for how the community will deal with the issue, he “continues to agonise for young children and peers who knew the family well”.
“The Hornsby community is a close and very supportive one,” Cr Ruddock said.
“I had dealings with the family in the past — but I have not seen them in 20 years, this is a very significant matter that has touched so many.
“We often think it only happens in other places, so I feel very much for those who are asking what more could they have done, like I ask myself.”
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Cr Ruddock said he encouraged state parliamentary colleagues to raise issues around gun laws and access to firearms, after reports John Edwards lawfully purchased the guns used to kill his two children late last year — following the expiration of an apprehended violence order just days earlier.
“From a former Attorney-General’s point of view, there are major issues relating to family law and gun licencing that need to be analysed,” he said.
“We need to identify ways to resolve family disputes without confrontation, and if there is conflict, we need to ask question about the ways guns could be misused in these scenarios.
“We are streets ahead of the United States and other countries for our gun laws, but we still need to be conscious that if there are weaknesses we need to analyse this again.”
An Education Department spokeswoman said Pennant Hills High School “extended its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the students who tragically died last week”.
“Students and staff have received counselling, and parents and carers have been advised about how to support their children and access counselling during the school holidays and beyond.”
•Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 or www.kidshelp.com.au)
•Lifeline (131114 or www.lifeline.org.au)
•Headspace (1800 650 890 or www.eheadspace.org.au)
•State Mental Health Telephone Access Line (1800 011 511) which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is staffed by clinicians who can provide advice, make referrals and link callers to the mental health service in their local Health District.