Tom Van Dijk: St Pius X College Chatswood mourn death of student, reject anti-vaxxers claims

A north shore school is mourning the death of a teen who suffered a cardiac arrest — it comes as the school principal is forced to shut down ‘horrific’ rumours spread by anti-vaxxers.

A school community on Sydney’s north shore is mourning the tragic loss of a “bright, brilliant and talented student” — as the principal is forced to slam anti-vaxxers who have hijacked his death claiming it was a result of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

St Pius X College principal, John Couani, told The North Shore Times Year 12 Tom Van Dijk, died following a cardiac arrest while swimming with his family on August 21.

Mr Couani said he was forced to clarify growing misinformation surrounding the student’s death: “We have had a tragic loss, he did not have Covid-19 and did not die as a result of the vaccine”.

St Pius X College student Tom Van Dijk, pictured here alongside his father and sister, died on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest while swimming.

“We are struggling to comprehend this tragic loss,” Mr Couani said. “We are a community in terrible grief and sorrow, but there is a lot of misinformation that needs to stop.”

It comes as dozens of reports circulated online criticising the school for “putting pressure on kids” to be vaccinated.

The St Pius X College principal said the Year 12 student suffered from a cardiac arrest while swimming with his family.

“He was with his mum and dad, exercising out in the water,” Mr Couani said. “He got back on the boat and was suffering from chest pain — he was taken to Royal North Shore where doctors did everything they could to save his life.

“But tragically he died during the night.”

The school community pay tribute to Tom Van Dijk.

Mr Couani said despite “overwhelming commentary” on social media, he could confirm through the Van Dijk family that the student had not received any Covid-19 vaccination.

“The misinformation is horrific, there was nothing to do with mental health, this is purely a health issue,” he said. “The school did not force students to be vaccinated — the school is not in a hotspot or local government area of concern, nor was it eligible for the priority vaccination program — we’ve made no statement calling for vaccinations of students.”

Tom Van Dijk, St Pius X College student, is being remembered as a champion swimmer, talented musician and much-loved student.

The principal said he wanted the community to know: “Tom will be remembered for the bright, brilliant and talented student he was”.

“We have lost one of the most beautiful young men our school has seen,” he said.

“The students are in the middle of a very difficult time — we are trying hard to support one another. 

“Tom was a great boy, he was a strong academic student, a great swimmer, a wonderful musician — he was in our school orchestra.

“We need to pay tribute to Tom, because he will be missed.”

In a statement to the school community Mr Couani said “In so many ways, Tom was such an incredible young man who was loved by all — he helped others, was a friend to everyone in Year 12 and had some many incredible gifts as a high achieving academic student, champion swimmer and an accomplished violinist”.

Tom Van Dijk (far right) with his family. The St Pius X College student died on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest while swimming.

“There are many students in the younger grades who would know Tom, and all will attest to his strong but gentle nature and the care he gave to younger students,” Mr Couani said.

Mr Couani said Tom Van Dijk revealed to his parents several years ago that he wanted to donate his organs.

“The family are comforted to know that even in loss, Tom is giving to others, and he will give life to others through the organ donation program,” he said.

“Typical of Tom to be giving to others in need.

“Tom’s organs are going to be used to help others.”

Mr Couani said Tom’s family had received countless messages of “love and care, prayers and hugs”.

“The Van Dijk family wish to express their appreciation to Caitlyn Webster and her family and the St Pius X College community for their care and support,” he said.