Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, gives speech in parliament on Christchurch shooting.
Tauranga schools are being advised on how to help young people cope with trauma after what the Prime Minister called New Zealand's "darkest day".
The fatal shooting of dozens of worshippers at two Christchurch mosques last Friday prompted the Government to offer support to schools as the nation tries to come to terms with the tragedy.
Western Bay of Plenty Principals' Association president and Tahatai Coast School principal Matt Skilton said it was important to reassure children, keep routine and maintain a positive environment while taking "the time to listen".
Tauranga Primary School principal Fiona Hawes said it was important for parents and adults to be open in conversation with their little ones.
"Children are naturally curious and constantly trying to make meaning of the world around them," she said. "They will be looking to adults to see what our reactions are."
Te Wharekura o Mauao principal Heywood Kuka said the school rang the school bell 50 times to mark the lives lost during the Christchurch tragedy.
The Proverbs family - Mia, 10, Julie, Adam and Beatrice, 12 - share a moment at Tauranga Mosque. Photo / Jean Bell
"We are fortunate as a kura Māori, that part of tikanga Māori is dealing with grief and trauma," he said.
"Our tikanga dictates how that process takes place and gives provision for everyone to not only express how they are feeling but grieve and respond in their own way."
Bethlehem College principal Eoin Crosbie said the school established a response team, counselling was available for all staff and students and the school chapel was open for students to pray and reflect on the tragedy, he said.
A memorial service for the Year 5 to Year 13 students will be held today , as well as a mufti day to raise funds for the victims' families.
Papamoa College principal Steve Lindsey said student leaders created a memorial space for people to leave comments and messages and had also organised a mufti day to raise funds.
Tahatai Coast School pupils (from left) Noah Giurizatto Scott, 5, Natasha Broederlow, 9, Madia Skilton, 9, Dallys Lunjevich, 10, and Jake Henry, 10, hold hands in unity despite the tragedy of Christchurch's shootings. Photo / George Novak
A memorial assembly will also be held where students can pay their respects.
Tauranga child psychotherapist Joanne Bruce encouraged parents to initiate conversations with their children and use "simple language and just go with the emotions".
Tauranga clinical psychologist Maren Klum said it was important for people who were feeling overwhelmed to ask for help.
"It is a grieving process," she said. "Talk to your families, loved ones and friends rather than internalising it."
Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Grey Power Association president Jennifer Custins said our senior citizens may now be feeling a little more vulnerable.
"It is important to check on our family members, friends and neighbours to check if they are okay," she said.
Ministry of Education secretary for education Iona Holsted said traumatic incident support had been offered to all schools, kura and early learning services following the tragedy.
"This is a really tough time for New Zealanders and it's critical our children and young people get the support and care they need as they return to schools and other learning institutions," she said.
Additional traumatic incident teams were on standby across the country and tips on supporting conversations with children and teenagers had been circulated to all schools.
The Ministry of Health has also developed resources, available in different languages, to assist those in mental distress as a result of the Christchurch tragedy.
Parents and teachers can help children and young people feel safe by: - Providing reassurance and keeping to routines - Staying calm and promoting a calm environment - Doing enjoyable things together - Taking time to listen and talk Source: Ministry of Education
Where to get help
- 1737, Need to talk? Call or text 1737 to talk to a counsellor (available 24/7) - Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) - Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) - Youthline: 0800 376 633, Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) - Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) - Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) - Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 - Samaritans 0800 726 666 - If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
