School Fathers' Day breakfast goes ahead after murder-suicide of mother and son
It should have been a morning of celebration for dads and their children.
One side of the community board at Tuggerawong Public School on the Central Coast is a P&C reminder of Friday’s Fathers’ Day breakfast.
The reverse says Happy Fathers’ Day 'participate with enthusiasm’ which is the school’s motto.
Now pupils, teachers and parents will be challenged to find that enthusiasm after the apparent murder-suicide of Erica Bond and nine-year-old Lochlan who was a pupil at the school.
It isn’t known if his dad, Andrew Bond, was planning to join the breakfast.
The outpouring of grief was evidenced in posts to the school’s Facebook page.
"So very sad, my daughter is heartbroken," wrote Lindal Penman.
Fran Giuliano added: "How tragic to learn that two lives have been lost. My heart and prayers are with family and friends. TPS is such a small close-knit community and unfortunately this news will have ripple effects on all involved. RIP may the angels guide you both home."
Jessica Barrance posted: "I can’t stop the tears from streaming down my son’s face. It’s going to hit him hard being in his classroom."
The bodies of mother and child were discovered by a neighbour shortly before 2pm on Tuesday. Police say nobody else was being sought in relation to the deaths.
The emotion spilled over onto the five bouquets placed on the lawn of the tidy two-storey property.
One note, on what appeared to be a lined page from a school exercise book, said: "Dear lachlan we miss you lots. from Chase and Quinn."
Andrew Bond on Thursday was said to be attending the hospital morgue to farewell the bodies of wife and child.
Ms Bond worked as a golf shop assistant at Kooindah Waters Golf Club where she was described in an employee profile as current ladies club champion.
Three flags fluttering in the Central Coast breeze had been lowered to half mast.
Earlier this week, school principal Grant McFarland said in a Facebook post that significant additional support would be available for any students who need it.
"The school will have a carefully planned approach to supporting all students tomorrow and moving forward," he wrote.
"The staff and I appreciate the tremendous support of our parents and our broader school community at this challenging time. Our heartfelt thoughts are with our much valued student's family and friends at this time."
❏ Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636.