Mason French Posted on: 29 Oct 2022
Dear God,
We pray for all of Mason’s family and friends
who are struggling with shock and grief.
Please surround them with your loving presence.
May they know moments of peace in their pain,
moments of joy in their memories,
and moments of hope in your love.
Amen.
Dear Parent/Carer
As you will now be aware our school and local community tragically lost one of our students this week in an awful incident that took place on Lizard Lane on Tuesday afternoon.
Mason French was a wonderful well-liked student, who was quiet and good natured, with an infectious smile that brightened everywhere he went.
On behalf of the Academy and the Diocese of Durham, our thoughts and prayers are very much with Mason’s family and his friends. The loss of a young person is very difficult to comprehend, and it seems unfair that he has been taken away from us at such a young age. The response and support from the local community has been exceptional as we come together to unite in our grief and sadness. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
Mason will be very much missed by students and staff at the Academy, and it is at times like this where the importance of a strong school community is vital. Whitburn has always been a school that looks out for one another, it’s a close and supportive community, that focusses on care and helping those in times of struggle and challenge.
On Monday, our school community will come together and reflect on the tragedy of the event, by talking, listening and thinking about how we can support Mason’s friends and family throughout this time. Our staff will be available from the outset on Monday morning to help and support any of our students who need time to talk and process the events of the past week. We are also able to signpost parents and carers to further support available from the local authority and a number of mental health providers that already work with the Academy.
Take care
John Crowe, Principal
