Public statement by TCDSB Director of Education on the loss of staff member Connie Valencia

    TORONTO, July 10 /CNW/ - The Toronto Catholic District School Board
community offers prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Connie
Valencia, an itinerant French teacher for the TCDSB. Connie worked at a number
of TCDSB schools and is well known to several of our families and staff. We
are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.
    Counselling and support has been arranged for the students and staff who
knew Ms. Valencia and her family. A priest from the local parish, a TCDSB
social worker, school superintendent and staff will provide prayers and
counselling at Blessed Margherita of Citta Catholic School between 1:30 p.m.
and 3:00 p.m. today.
    Our prayers are offered in memory of Connie Valencia, in support of her
family and all of her friends, students and staff who mourn her loss.
    Out of respect for Ms. Valencia and her family, we would ask media to
allow those arriving at the school the privacy they deserve as they deal with
this tragedy. No interviews will be granted at this difficult time.Ann Perron
    Director of EducationThe Toronto Catholic District School Board educates more than 90,000
students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in its 201 Catholic
elementary and secondary schools and serves 474,876 Catholic school supporters
across the City of Toronto.

For further information: Media Contact: Mary Jo Deighan, Co-ordinator,
Communications, Public and Media Relations, [e-mail];
Information: Mary Walker, Acting Supervisor, Communications Department, (416)
222-8282 Ext. 2302