Recovery plans can help students and families cope with important events.

Be You provides support for recovery plans. Catholic and independent schools are encouraged to contact Be You. Government schools can contact SWISS or Be You directly if preferred.

Anniversaries and significant events

The anniversary of a death or the birthday of someone deceased is a stressful time. It can take friends and family back to their original levels of grief.

Think about other transition points for students. This might be:

• final year formal
• end of year events
• other significant events, for example sport’s day if the student was a committed athlete.

Be aware and prepared for these events. It’s a significant part of your long term postvention responsibility.

Student-led memorials and events

Students may want to create a tribute or host a memorial event to honour a peer who has died.

Memorials, tributes and events should only be considered if they are student-led, time limited, and where student participation is optional.

Always have parent or carer knowledge and consent.

Staff may assist with arrangements if deemed safe and reasonable.

Events are safest in small groups. Year level or large group memorials are discouraged.

Any tributes should be in discreet areas, allowing students to opt-out. The area should have staff presence so staff can monitor unsafe conversation or identify additional support needs, with opportunity to intervene if necessary.

Legal processes

You might need to inform a limited group of staff, students and parents or carers about:

• police processes
• Coroner’s inquests
• legal proceedings.

These events have the potential to create high levels of stress. Be alert and responsive to people’s needs.