News of the untimely death of 12-year-old Charlotte because of her perceived bullying at school is heartbreaking to us all (“We need to listen and tell her story”, DT, 24/9). Despite the issues she felt made life impossible, the supposed beneficence of being in a faith-based school effusive with “love, compassion and inclusivity” was seemingly invisible in her despair. Other distraught parents with children who had suicided have justifiably spoken out about the inappropriate response of Santa Sabina school. The message from the school’s principal has amassed deserved criticism as it portrayed the school as a victim of supposedly unfair rebuke. Charlotte’s wish for more discussion on bullying has already borne fruit, as a nephew of mine heard her sad story and revealed for the first time his despair at the suicide of a 12-year-old school mate and the gut-wrenching impact it has had on him for over 25 years. RIP dear Charlotte. Your message is being heard beyond the deafness of your own school which has truly failed you. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 25Sept2024