"The past two weeks have been very trying for our students and our staff," said Bridgewater Elementary School principal Mark MacLeod at a press conference on February 14.

 "Our thoughts are with Karissa's family. It's unimaginable that a 12-year-old girl lost her life. She had so much to live for. This really hits home."

 Karissa had started school in Bridgewater last November after attending Hillcrest Academy in Shelburne earlier in the year and Hebbville Academy from 2005 to 2007.

 "She was a fantastic kid, a great kid," said Mr. MacLeod.

 He said Karissa got along well with her peers, made friends easily and did well academically.

 "She was with us for a short time and was someone we wanted to be with us for a much longer time."

 Mr. MacLeod found out about her murder around 1 p.m., after which he held a meeting to notify staff.

 Teachers then shared the news of Karissa's death with their classes.

 "It was very tough. They took it really hard … especially Karissa's class and our staff."

 He said teachers did not tell students Karissa had been murdered, because they wanted to let families discuss that with their children in a way that was most appropriate for them.

 Information was also sent home to parents.

 Critical incident teams composed of administrators, teachers, guidance counsellors and other professionals such as school psychologists were in place at both Bridgewater Elementary School andHebbville Academy for parents or students who wished to access them. Otherwise, school was supposed to be as normal as possible for students the following day.

 "One of the [important] things in times of critical incidents is to be as normal as possible with as many supports as needed," said South Shore Regional School Board superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake.

 "So the school day will function in a normal process, but there will be lots of supports."

 However, Hebbville Academy cancelled some winter carnival events on February 14, when Karissa's death was made public.

 In an interview the next day, principal Darren Haley said Karissa had made some good friends at the school in her year and a half there, and that they and the staff were quite shaken by the news.

 "She fit in with our kids extremely well. It's tough moving into a school - especially where there are already some established relationships - but she fit in really well, was a happy kid, involved in a lot of different aspects of the school socially and was strong academically as well."

 Counselling services were expected to be available at both schools throughout last week, and longer if necessary.

 Meanwhile, Mr. MacLeod said there was no need for any extra safety precautions.

 "Security at our schools and at various schools has increased over the past number of years. Our school is a very safe place for students. That's our number 1 priority, for sure," he responded.

 "[Mr. MacLeod] is a fantastic principal and I'm sure he'll ensure that they're safe," said parent Nanette Bush.

 "Whether or not they honestly feel that way is the question. It'll be in the back of their minds. They're elementary students and they won't fully understand what's happening here, no matter what they hear."

 With things like that in mind, the school board - along with South Shore Health and the Bridgewater Police Service - will host a community meeting at Park View Education Centre on February 19 at 6 p.m.

 "The purpose of this session will be to provide information for students and adults on how to cope with stress in very difficult times," said a press release.

 "This education session will focus on what each of us can do to take care of ourselves and our family members. The session will offer reassurance for those concerned about general safety."