Southville Primary School

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the tragic death of one of our pupils, Maja Wlodarczyk from Class 6B.  Whilst the circumstances of Maja’s death, alongside her parents and younger brother, are still being investigated, the police have confirmed they are not currently seeking anybody else in connection with the incident.

Maja was a valued member of our Southville family. She was bright, confident, determined, sporty, and an excellent student. Maja’s brother, Dawid, was due to join us in our Nursery in September. This is clearly devastating news for Maja’s friends, our school family and the wider local community.

My staff and I will be on hand to support children arriving back in school tomorrow morning (Monday) – many of whom will have heard and be processing the news. I know this will be a difficult time, but I also know our Southville family will be supporting each other in dealing with our individual and shared sorrow. I know our community will not want to spread or share unhelpful speculation around the deaths out of respect, and in the light of an ongoing police investigation.

I will be writing to Year 6 parents separately, with thoughts on how we support the Y6 children.

It is our intention to hold a ‘Celebration of Maja’s Life’ at some point before the end of the school year – more information to follow.  In the meantime, we will be creating a space on our school field for children to leave memories, and for Maja’s friends to spend time together. 

When you arrive on Monday morning, there is a small chance you could be approached by media representatives. In anticipation of this, a member of Hounslow Council’s communications team, and local police officers will be on hand to provide any assistance if you need it.

If you are concerned about your child and want to help them process what has happened, please do take a look at advice from either of the two following websites:

• https://www.winstonswish.org/supporting-you/
• https://www.childbereavementuk.org

A couple of practicalities:

• We are anticipating a sensitive week at school. We have therefore made the decision to postpone the Upper School Sports Day on Thursday. We will let you know when a new date has been set.
•  Our admin team are going to be very busy this week. Please be mindful of this, and avoid coming in to the office with non-urgent queries. Please feel free to email us at office@southville.hounslow.sch.uk

I know that you will all support and look out for one another through this difficult time – that is what we do at Southville. And as always, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of my team if you need any support.