Head of Gioia House

Thank you

As many of you may know, my husband, Robert, and I lost our only son, Eric, in the school holidays. Our loss is beyond our comprehension, and the pain will never disappear. Robert and I know that we need to learn how to live our lives and how to heal. The most significant remedy for us in this difficult time has been the community.

Before returning to work this week, I met with the Gioia staff and students to thank them for their well wishes, prayers and cards which have certainly given me strength during this sad time. I praised them for forming the guard of honour to farewell Eric. I explained to the girls that death is part of the human experience and how holding onto happy memories keeps our loved ones alive. It was great to see them engaged with learning and enjoying their friends.

Robert and I particularly would like to thank Ms Skerman and Ms Van der Meer for being by our side and walking each step with us when we felt completely lost. We thank the College leadership team for accommodating our needs to farewell Eric. Our gratitude to Fr. Gavin for celebrating Eric’s life. Thank you to Mr Chung and the Chamber Choir for the magical music. Thank you to Ms Sulis for organising the beautiful Mass. Our family and friends worldwide could watch the Livestream, which was kindly provided by the College IT department. We thank Dominican Sisters for holding us in their prayers. We were wrapped in love by the College staff, parents, students and friends, and in time, I know I will be able to thank each of you individually for your kindness, love, compassion and generosity.

Stella Azizian
Head of Gioia House