Dear Parents,

Thank you for your words of support and prayers during this time of great loss. Janessa (Gr. 8) and her mother, Jacki, will be greatly missed by the entire community.

On Monday, September 13, the students will attend a prayer service for the Greig family, at 8:20 a.m., in the pavilion. Parents are welcome to join us, but not expected or required to do so. This prayer service will replace the recitation of the rosary in Church that was previously announced.

All funeral arrangements will be at St. Cecilia Church
+ Vigil Service Thursday, September 16, 7:00 p.m.
+ Funeral Mass Friday, September 17, 11:00 a.m.

Following the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, there will be a reception in the Lower Church hosted by the Mothers’ Club.

I have discussed funeral arrangements with Ms. Maureen Huntington, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of S.F., and her recommendation is that our school NOT be in session on Friday. Therefore, there will be NO SCHOOL on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. This will give an opportunity for parents and children to attend the funeral Mass together as a sign of support for the Greig family. There will be a reserved section in the Church for the Eighth Graders and their families. All students who attend the funeral should be in complete uniform!

Many parents have asked if there will be a fund for donations for the Greig family. Those who wish may send a check payable to St. Cecilia School. Please indicate on the check that this is a donation for the Greig family. We will acknowledge your donation and give James Greig a list of donors when we give him the donations. Thank you for the many ways you are supporting this family.

As we prepare for the upcoming week, we want to make you aware of our plans to support our students. Many of our students were very closely connected to Janessa, and her untimely death will undoubtedly have an effect on them. Many will experience a wide array of emotions including anger, confusion, sadness, and even guilt. Although we cannot take away the pain of their grief, we certainly hope to minimize their fears and frustration by coming together as a faith community.

We will begin our day on Monday morning with a brief announcement, and teachers will read a statement to the students in the classrooms. Eighth Graders will go directly to the pavilion, and the prepared statement will be read to them by Monsignor Harriman followed by some words of comfort specific to their class. The entire school will then gather in the pavilion for a prayer service. Parents are welcome to attend, but not expected or required to do so.

Once back in the classroom, students will be given time to reflect and express their feelings. Along with our school counselors, Sister Ann Gilchrist and Ms. Mary McManus, there will be two counselors from Saint Ignatius College Prep High School and one grief counselor from the Archdiocese. Counselors will be available to speak with students and school staff throughout the entire school day.

If you are particularly concerned about your child for any reason, you can request he/she meet with a counselor by calling the school office (415-731-8400).

In the meantime, it would be helpful if you would spend some time talking with your child/children before school on Monday. It is best that some recognition of the deaths comes from you in a safe, comforting setting. This will help prepare the students for what to expect at school.

Tell them the facts:
Janessa and her mother died in the fire that broke out in San Bruno on Thursday night.

Avoid repeating rumors about the incident. If they ask questions that you do not have an answer for, it is ok to say, “I don’t know.” Tell them you will let them know when you have more information from a reliable source. Reassure your child that you are there for him/her, and it is safe to express feelings.

Tell them that we, the Saint Cecilia community, care deeply about their feelings and will do everything we can to support them.

We will continue to keep you informed as plans unfold and as we discover ways to further support our students and the Greig family. Please continue to keep us in your daily prayers.

God bless you!

Monsignor Harriman and Sister Marilyn