January 23rd, 2023

It is with a very heavy heart that we bring you this news. As a school community, Grand River Collegiate is mourning the loss of Sam Abu-Alassal, one of our grade 12 students. Sam passed away last Thursday January 19, 2023.

Sam was a good friend to many students at Grand River. Sam loved anything and everything basketball. He also put a lot of energy into making music, taking photos, nature and gaming. An online tribute and information regarding details for visitation and the funeral are available on the Erb & Good website.

Our thoughts are with Sam’s family and friends. In honour of Sam’s memory, the flags at both Grand River and the Waterloo Region District School Board will be flown at half mast this week. Inside the school there is a memorial table for students to visit and leave their written memories and thoughts for the family.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.  The funeral service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.  Interment to follow at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo.

GRCI staff and WRDSB Grief Counsellors from the Critical Events Team have been made available for students.

Please check in with your child in the days to come. If you have any concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Vice-Principal or Guidance Counsellor.

Sincerely,

Josh Windsor

Principal