By Chris Vandenbreekel/CKOM News Staff

Students write emotional letters of encouragement to north Sask. youth

Nov 9, 2016 | 3:28 PM

High school students in Saskatoon are letting their peers in Northern Saskatchewan know they’re not alone.
 
Students from several secondary schools penned letters of encouragement and solidarity, trying to help stop a rash of suicides that’s claimed the lives of six girls in Stanley Mission and La Ronge.
 
Kelsey O’Byrne, an english teacher at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, asked her Grade 10 class to write letters.
 
She was amazed by the results.
 
“When I saw these cards that were filled and they had run out of space, I was really moved by their compassion,” she said.
 
O’Byrne said she was emotional after reading what some of her students wrote. A few opened up about their own experiences with suicide.
 
“Two summers ago I lost my uncle to depression,” one student wrote. “For the next six months it was extremely hard. But I’m letting you know that God is with you and it will get better.”
 
“Keep your head up,” another read. “Life gives its hardest battles to its strongest soldiers.”
 
Students said they were shocked when they learned of the northern suicides. They remarked at how sad it was to know girls as young as 10 had taken their own lives.
 
“At 10 years old I didn’t even know what suicide meant,” said Jazzlyn Windjack. “It’s just crazy.”
 
The letters are set to be delivered to northern communities this week.

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