In Memoriam: Thomas Van Dijk

The College continues to mourn the sudden and tragic death of Thomas Van Dijk of Year 12. Tom passed away on Saturday night Saturday 21 August 2021 due to a cardiac arrest. This tragic passing has been communicated in detail to the College community and we are together supporting the Van Dijk family, Year 12 students and families, staff and all students as we join in solidarity and prayer at this time of enormous loss.

The school community is profoundly grieving Tom’s passing, but also celebrating his wonderful gifts and we pay tribute to Tom as an outstanding academic student, gifted sportsman and accomplished musician.

Despite the clear communication from the College, there have been many insensitive and grossly inaccurate reports on social media. The College and Tom’s family wish to make it very clear that:

• Tom was not vaccinated.
• He was not eligible for vaccination due to his age.
• St Pius X College is not located in one of the Sydney metropolitan LGAs of concern and there has not been any vaccination program offered to our Year 12 students by the NSW Government at this point.
• Tom had a negative COVID-19 test at the hospital.
• There were no mental health and wellbeing concerns.

It is very disappointing that a statement such as this needs to be made and the College now asks that respect is shown to allow for the family and community to grieve the loss of this brilliant and talented young man.

May perpetual light shine upon Tom, may he rest in peace.

From the Principal

John Couani

24 August 2021

A prayer vigil in celebration of the life of Thomas Van Dijk, Year 12 2021 was held by St Pius X College on FRIDAY 27 AUGUST 6.00 PM – 6.30 PM

WATCH HERE:

As you join the Prayer Vigil you are invited to light a candle and be seated comfortably in a reflective space. Your family are welcome around you and to listen to the prayers, music and the photos and memories of Tom. You are welcome to join in prayer and solidarity with each other. United in our grief, our prayers for Thomas and his family, friends and the College community will give us all some comfort and the opportunity to honour the memory of this extraordinary young man that we all loved.

The service of Thomas Van Dijk – 3 December 2003 – 22 August 2021

was live streamed on the 8th September from 10.20am to 11.40am
https://www.ceremonycast.com.au/tomvandijk

Dear members of the St Pius X College community
I write on behalf of the Van Dijk family to offer their appreciation for your many messages of love and support for them and for the continued prayers for their beautiful son, Tom.
The Van Dijk family has asked me to share the details and the online link for the Funeral Service.

This was livestreamed on 8th September from 10.20am to 11.40am
and you can view the recording above for up to 90 days.
This is a private and secure site. Anyone who wishes to download the Order of Service booklet can do so by following the instructions in the link. There is also a place for people to leave messages if they wish.
Yours sincerely
John Couani
7 September 2021