I would like to know who or what was the driver for this initiative.
As far as I am aware, the memorials that are in place were dedicated either by family or staff who were close to the person, as is the case for the two staff trees at Ronald Harvey. It would be fine to contact families and ask if they want the memorial to stand and perhaps they wouldn’t if it has been a very long time.
However your grief expert should know that the grief process is variable among people and thinking that their loved one or friend is forgotten and the institution does not want to acknowledge them any longer, could cause more trauma for them.
In a world that forgets and discards so easily, I think the St. Albert Public School Board is making a big mistake.
Kathie Zalasky, St. Albert
