The event was tragic, a young life was lost and the community's reaction to the apparent suicide incident that claimed 13-year-old Aeramis Kolke is leaving a city grieving and wondering what could have been done.
A police investigation into the incident is ongoing said Estevan Police Service (EPS) Chief Del Block.
"As to whether or not there will be an inquest, well, that's up to the chief coroner, not us," he added.
If an inquest is held, more facts surrounding the event would probably be made public while the police investigation will be tempered with regards to how many details are released due to concerns regarding confidentiality requirements, said Block.
The original information coming from social media and other sources indicated that the young girl was suffering from frequent bullying incidents including cyber bullying.
In the meantime, school and school division officials have reacted to the tragic event.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ East Cornerstone School Division director Marc Casavant said the school division administration's thoughts and condolences are going out to the family as well as to the Westview School staff and the rest of the Estevan community. He said he and others visited with the victim's mother and attended her funeral and have since provided counselling and support personnel for students and staff.
"But of course we can't comment on any details out of respect to those directly involved. We feel it is important that an investigation takes place and I understand it is, and in the meantime the entire community has a role to play in recovering from this. I would add that if there are any further concerns, or elements of this event you hear, contact Estevan Police Service. In the meantime, we know some people are really struggling with this," Casavant said.
Later, the director said that some corners of the community were wanting to hammer the school division for perceived faults in an education system that allowed such an event to happen without intervention.
Estevan trustees Pam Currie and Janet Foord also spoke up, with Currie stating that she felt deep sympathy for the family and for the school.
"I know most of these teachers and know they want to provide a safe environment for the children. I urge them to keep their chins up and encourage our community to embrace the positives such as the 40 step development plans," said Currie.
Foord said she too, expressed sympathy to all the family and school students and staff and assured them that as their trustees they were approachable and available.
In reference to a radio talk show that apparently took umbrage with the school administration for something they may or may not have done, Foord said "I don't concern myself with radio show ratings, my focus is on other things at this time."
Trustee Harold Laich said anytime a tragic event happens within the school division, the community needs to respond and the school involved will reappraise their safe and caring school programs and how and when they can lend support to outside agencies or families.
"There is always a need to be vigilant to help students under stress. Schools can't control their entire environment, especially not in today's world. There should be a coroner's report, but it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further until those reports are in."
Former Cornerstone chairwoman and current trustee Audrey Trombley said she also heard there were some negative reports about their handling of the incident. She said that if this were so, then "that was unfortunate and inappropriate."
Trustee Kevin Keating said he knew the event had affected all the kids in the school and elsewhere, while trustee Len Williams, a Weyburn representative said that while he wasn't on a regular face-to-face basis with Westview staff and students, "I've heard nothing but good about that school and its administration, so my sympathy goes out to all."
Casavant said that since the day of the suicide, senior administration and counselling staff have made regular daily visits to the school to ensure that those who might require additional assistance can receive it.
