Dear Parents and Carers
It has been a difficult week as we all try to come to terms with the loss of Shayne. A loss like this affects everyone and we wanted to reassure you we are doing everything we can to support our pupils and staff during this very sad time. We have had a variety of professionals from our own staff and further external support onsite to listen to any young person or colleague who has needed it.
Many of you will have seen the beautiful tributes which show how Shayne has been remembered this week, and we are truly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to honour his memory. We remember a wonderful young person who had such a bright future ahead, and we will continue to support our whole community as we grieve together.
We will keep you informed of plans we have to remember Shayne, hopefully later today. Our tribute has been shared on the Chippenham Police Facebook page which expresses our sadness and our support for the community. We cannot share anything further at this time due to the ongoing investigation, and the police will share information as and when they can. I have also been talking to numerous community groups and charities this week and will be working with them as well as the other schools in Chippenham to consider how we can provide a wider community response to this tragic event.
You are, I am sure, aware there is significant media interest, and I wanted to advise you that Wiltshire Police is handling all media enquiries. We are not providing additional comments to the media, and we ask our school community to support us with this and avoid speculation on social media or engaging with any media requests.
If you or your young people have any information which you feel may be relevant to the Police investigation, as shared earlier in the week, a Major Incident Public Portal has been set up by Wiltshire Police to allow anyone to directly report information to the investigation team. You can also leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or encourage your young people to talk to the neighbourhood Police Officers who will continue to be a presence on site next week.
If you feel your young person needs further support during next week, please contact year teams in the first instance. Thank you again for all of your support and kind messages.
I hope that the whole community can have a restful weekend to recharge ahead of the final week before we finish for the February break next Friday.
Lisa Percy
Headteacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of such a tragic week, on behalf of the Hardenhuish Governing Body, I want to thank you all for the support and compassion you have shown the staff and school community.
As we hold Shayne and his family in our hearts, thoughts and prayers, no words can replace the overwhelming shock and sadness that we all feel.
The staff have been anchors for our young people this week, supporting them as best they can whilst also navigating their own grief. I know your messages of condolence and support have been a source of strength to staff.
As a school community we will continue to move forward together, one step at a time.
Andrew
Chair of Governors
A message from Cllr Jon Hubbard, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
I wanted to write to you on behalf of Wiltshire Council to express our sadness and to let you know we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. We want you to know that we are here to support you in any way we can. We are committed to listening, to helping, and to standing alongside you in the days and weeks ahead. Your school community is strong and caring, and we know you will continue to support one another through this painful time. You are very much in our thoughts, and we are here to offer whatever support you may need.