This article is from page 10 of the 2006-03-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
THE heartbroken principal of Feakle National School has spoken of his efforts to maintain normality for his pupils, while at the same time acknowledging the tragedy which has rocked the school.
Ted Harrington and his five staff re-opened the 90-pupil school yesterday (Monday) morning, for the first time since Karl died on the premises last Tuesday evening.
A service of reflection and prayer, involving both parents and pupils of the school, marked the re-opening.
While Karl’s siblings were absent from their classes, the thoughts of everybody were with them.
“We are trying to come to terms with our tragedy, in our school community. Today has been a very important day for the pupils, students and parents. We have received a lot of help from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS),” he said.
Messages of support have also flooded in on the webpage of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), as a tribute to the child.
“We have never experienced anything like this before. The response nationwide has been phenomenal. We have received expressions of deepest sorrow from the four corners of the country,” he said.
“As a school community we are very grateful for all the support we have got from our own community, a community that is united in grief at the moment.
“We are trying to return to some kind of normality and we will handle it one day at a time.
“The minds and hearts of all of us are with Linda and Noel and the family at this stage,” he said.
Last Friday, Mr Harrington told mourners attending Mass of the Angels in Feakle that everybody was shocked by the tragic death of the smiling child, who captured the hearts of those who knew him.
“We are all shocked. We love you Karl. Our hearts are broken. We are suffering the heartbreak, the crushed heartbreak is there,” he said.
“Life changes in minutes and how we handle that change is important. We try and help each other by sticking together,” he said.