Update for Families: February 11, 2026

Dear KPR families, 

Along with communities across the country, our thoughts and sincere condolences are extended to all those impacted by the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia yesterday. 

As educators, parents and family members, we struggle to understand this significant loss, and we grieve for the affected families and communities. In remembrance, we have lowered flags at all KPR schools and buildings.    

When a traumatic event happens, children and youth may experience and exhibit a range of emotions. In the coming days, here are some ways parents and families can help support.  

• Take intentional steps to care for yourself and attend to your own emotional regulation.  Your calm and measured response will help children and teens navigate their own reactions. 

• Keep routines consistent.  Familiar routines help us to feel grounded and reinforce a sense of stability and safety. 

• Limit the amount of media coverage of current events. Watching these events continually replayed can be overwhelming, especially for children or youth that are prone to worrying.   

• Check in and listen.  Watch children and youth’s behaviour for signs of distress, such as difficulty concentrating, a change in mood, actions, sleep, or appetite. 

• Provide honest, developmentally appropriate information.  If you are asked questions, provide factual information that is age and developmentally appropriate. Don’t provide more details than the child or teen is requesting or is ready to hear. 

• Validate feelings and avoid dismissing concerns.  Validation builds emotional safety. 

School Mental Health Ontario has valuable resources: Info Sheet - Supportive Conversations with Students During Challenging World Events and Info Sheet - Ways to Help Students in Response to World Events.   

Information about upcoming days of significance, such as Lunar New Year on February 17, Ramadan beginning at sundown on February 18, and Pink Shirt Day on February 25, is available on KPR’s Events Calendar. 

Take care of yourselves and each other this Family Day holiday weekend. 

Sincerely, 

Rita Russo 
Director of Education 

KPR NEWS 

Black History Month 

We are very proud to join communities across the country in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Black History Month in Canada - a time for intentional recognition of the achievements, contributions and lived experiences of Black communities. As a school board, we recognize the value of celebrating and highlighting Black History and Black Excellence every day, in line with KPR’s strategic priority to create safe and inclusive spaces where the diversity and lived experiences of students and staff are valued and reflected in learning and working environments.  

Throughout this month, in collaboration with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion department, we continue to highlight resources through KPR’s social media channels (@kprschools), to support learning and growth. As we honour and celebrate the stories, achievements, and excellence of Black communities – both locally, and across Canada – we invite you to learn more about the significant contributions of Black Canadians in fields such as technology, science, math, social justice movements, art, and so much more.