One of Australia's most elite all-girls schools is rocked to its core after principal's heartbreaking announcement about a Year 9 student
All Hallows' School closed on Tuesday after making the heartbreaking announcement that Year Nine student Stella Medeiros-Hodge had died by suicide over the weekend.
The school has a reputation as one of the best girls schools in the country with parents charged upwards of $35,000 each year for domestic students.
Catherine O'Kane, the principal of the 159-year-old institution, revealed the tragic news in an email sent to parents, caregivers and the extended school community.
She said Ms Medeiros-Hodge had died on Sunday, in the correspondence sent on Tuesday afternoon.
'It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Stella Medeiros-Hodge, Year 9 (Whitty), overnight on Sunday,' the email, seen by the Courier Mail, read.
'Stella is the beloved daughter of Lucia and Iain and the sister of Isabella (Year 12).'
Understandably, the email told the school community Ms Medeiros-Hodge's family had requested privacy. 'I know that our community will respect this with the utmost sensitivity and care,' the email continued.
Ms O'Kane encouraged parents to speak with their daughters about how they can sensitively react to the news on social media.
On Tuesday, parents were seen arriving at the school to pick up their children at 2pm.
The principal warned parents to monitor their children's interactions with social media and the amount of time they spend online.
She also confirmed the scheduled school activities that have been postponed and did not say when they would resume.
Spirit week activities would not continue as normal and the Adderton house mass scheduled for Wednesday morning has been postponed.
Ms O'Kane said she expected other scheduled activities will continue as planned.
Details of Ms Medeiros-Hodge's funeral will be shared with the school community when available.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Footy fans warned about purchasing fake Brisbane Broncos jerseys which were designed to raise money for mental health awareness
Brisbane Broncos fans have been issued a warning to be on the lookout for fake jerseys being sold online. The club's popular all black jersey - worn to raise funds for mental health - sold-out in record time when Michael Maguire's men took on the Gold Coast Titans in round 14 on June 7 at Suncorp Stadium. Scammers were aware of the increased demand, and soon began printing fake black jerseys in bulk. On Facebook marketplace, the jerseys are currently available for between $50 and $75 - with the authentic versions retailing for $170 via official NRL merchandise. Some of the fake jerseys are described as 'replicas' - but others suggest they are the real deal. 'The Brisbane Broncos caution our fans to avoid online purchases of unauthorised products due to the high risk of fraudulent and deceptive conduct and the likelihood of financial loss to the purchaser,' a spokesman said. Surprisingly, the Broncos aren't expected to wear the jersey again anytime soon. Meanwhile, a broken arm to prop Xavier Willison soured Brisbane's commanding 60-14 win against South Sydney on Friday. Brisbane Broncos fans have been issued a warning to be on the lookout for fake black jerseys being sold online (pictured) The club's popular all black jersey - chosen to raise funds for mental health - sold-out in record time when Michael Maguire's men took on the Gold Coast Titans in round 14 on June 7 at Suncorp Stadium (fullback, Reece Walsh is pictured) Scammers were aware of the demand, and soon began printing fake black jerseys (pictured) in bulk, which are still available on Facebook Marketplace Fullback Reece Walsh finished with four try assists and a try himself as the injury-ravaged Rabbitohs were outclassed. Willison isn't expected to play against this season. 'He has broken his arm and that could be a six-week injury,' Maguire said. 'Watching 'X' grow has been great, but we have someone like Ben Talty (ready) to step up. '(Overall) we were thorough and I thought our spine was very good.' In what was a history-making performance, Broncos captain Adam Reynolds became the second player in NRL premiership history to score 2500 points. He now only trails Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith, who chalked up 2786 points in his storied club career.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Horrifying video shows out-of-control rally car veer into crowd killing two spectators
Two adults were killed and three people injured after a vehicle slammed into them at a race in Ecuador. The tragic incident unfolded after dozens of spectators gathered along a narrow, two-lane road to celebrate the annual 'Return to Ecuador' race in Ambato, a city in the central province of Tungurahua, on Wednesday afternoon. Those who died were identified as Santiago Ortiz, 52, and Daniela Espin, 21. Ortiz's son was rushed to a hospital and underwent surgery to have both his legs amputated. Footage filmed by one of the spectators showed the vehicle traveling at a high speed and just missed hitting two men who were recording it as it veered off the paved road. A second video showed the race car sliding down the road and mowing down a group of fans before barreling into a parked vehicle. The car then flipped in the air. The impact of the accident sent several spectators running from the parked vehicle, including one man who fell to the ground but immediately got back up as one of the tires just missed rolling over his body. Race car is seen veering towards crowd in heart-stopping video Daniela Espin, a 21-year-old model and dancer, was one of the two people who were killed after a car lost control and mowed down a group of spectators at rally race in Ambato, Ecuador on Wednesday. Espin's twin sister was among three people who were injured Santiago Ortiz died from injuries he sustained after he was hit by a race car at the 'Return to Ecuador' rally on Wednesday. His 13-year-old was injured and had both of his legs amputated Online news outlet Infobae reported that the race car was just 982 feet away from crossing the finish line. El Comercio newspaper reported that the driver, Mauricio Herdoiza, and his passenger, José Sevilla, were not injured. Ecuadorian newspaper Extra reported that Ortiz and his son had been supporting a family member who was in the race. Espin, a model and dancer, joined two of her sisters to watch her first race, her mother Margarita Espin told the newspaper. Daniela's twin sister was also injured the accident and has since been discharged from hospital 'They went out together… and only one returned,' Margarita heartbreakingly said. One of Espin's aunts told Extra that the family learned of the accident through social media and became more concerned after she failed to respond to their messages. Ambato Mayor Luis Constante told the local media that a permit had been issued for the yearly race that's part of the city's tradition and that a capacity of 200 people were allowed to attend. Spectators run for their lives as the car veers into the crowd Smoke fills the air as people try to escape from the scene of the deadly crash Pictured: Rally race vehicle involved in the accident that left two people dead and three injured in Ambato, Ecuador on Wednesday The race car is seen veering in the crowd above 'There were ambulances, paramedics, everything required by law,' Constante said. The Tungurahua Attorney General's Office is investigating the accident.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Aussie dog walker shares the chilling moment his Beagle Benji discovered a human skull in Port Lincoln bushland
A dog walker has described the 'surreal' moment his Beagle Benji stumbled across what police believe to be the severed head of an alleged murder victim. The grisly discovery was made in scrubland near Port Lincoln in South Australia on Thursday and comes six weeks after Julian Story's suspected murder. His partner, former Beauty and the Geek contestant Tamika Chesser, has been charged with his murder but is yet to be formally interviewed by police. Tyson McCallum said his routine dog walk took a dramatic turn when Benji ran into bushland and wouldn't come back when called. 'I just went in a bit closer and kind of made the connection pretty quickly as to what I thought it was,' McCallum told 9News. '(It was) pretty surreal to be honest,' he added. 'I was kind of like, "No way, it's not what I think it is, surely not". But it was too coincidental.' Police believe the remains are Mr Story's, though forensic testing is underway to formally confirm the identity. 'They've obviously been through a lot, can't even imagine it,' McCallum said. 'To have it I guess finalised, they can get some closure which will hopefully bring them some peace.' As for Benji, McCallum said the sharp-nosed pup would be rewarded. 'He will definitely get a few extra treats,' he said. Chesser has been charged with murder and with interfering with human remains to pervert the course of justice. Authorities on Friday expanded their search of the area, with police and State Emergency Service crews (SES) combing the reserve. Cadaver dogs were also deployed in the hunt for further remains. Forensic teams have collected several items from the scene, which have been sent to Adelaide for examination. Chesser appeared in Port Lincoln Magistrates Court with a shaved head via video link on Thursday in relation to three separate matters. The former cocktail waitress was thrust into the spotlight at the age of 19 when she appeared on series two of the Seven Network show in 2010.
