Dear students,


I am very sorry that I had to miss your exams on Tuesday and Wednesday (today). As many of you have heard by now, I was in a car accident before school yesterday. I was assessed at the hospital and released and am doing okay!! Thank you to those who sent messages of support. I appreciate it very much! 


Thank you for a great semester. I hope that you all have a wonderful and relaxing summer and a great year next year! I hope to have the chance to see you when I pop in for a visit with the baby! 


Ms. V 

Monday morning I was greeted with tragic news when I opened my inbox at work; the 14 year old sister of one of my Grade 9 students had been killed in a car accident on Sunday evening. His parents, other sister and grandma had also been injured in the crash. Even as an adult, how does one begin to comprehend this kind of tragedy? 


Obviously, my first thoughts were with my student; how unbelievably painful this loss must be and hoping that he was coping, as best he could, with the support of his loved ones.


And then, in reading the news as I always do, an article caught my attention. 


http://metronews.ca/news/ottawa/1053313/ottawa-teen-killed-in-car-crash-in-upstate-new-york/


Now, there's certainly no right or wrong way to grieve, but if you knew Joe, you would not be surprised at all that from this tragedy he is not only grieving, but seeking to make a difference... because that's the type of kid that he is. He's the one that is always smiling and always has a kind word for everyone! 


"Joe Rabay has also started a seat belt campaign called “Wear it for Carine” and is handing out bracelets at Frank Ryan Catholic Intermediate School, where she attended Grade 8."


Even in his time of deep loss and at only 15 years of age, Joe is reaching out to others to honour his sister and prevent a tragedy like this from happening to another family. 


Please share Joe and Carine's story and take your own pledge to buckle up and "Wear it for Carine".