Milan Schools Mourn Victims of Swiss Tragedy, Prepare for Emotional Return to Classrooms
A wave of grief and support is sweeping through Milan’s schools following the tragic deaths of two students – Chiara Costanzo and Achille Barosi – in the Crans-Montana, Switzerland, accident. As the school community prepares to return to classes on January 7th, administrators are prioritizing mental health support for students and staff grappling with the immense loss and the well-being of four classmates hospitalized with severe injuries.
The echoes of the devastating event are particularly acute at the Liceo Virgilio, where four students from the third D of the Human Sciences major are currently receiving treatment at the Major Burns Center. Schools across the city will observe a minute of silence in remembrance of Costanzo, a student at the Moreschi scientific high school, and Barosi, who attended the Ursuline art high school.
A Community in Shock
Four empty desks serve as a stark reminder of the loss at the Liceo Virgilio – one in 3AL at Moreschi, and one in 3A at Ursuline. The tragedy has extended beyond the directly affected schools, prompting widespread anxiety and a need for collective healing. “Now it’s time to think about their companions too,” one administrator noted, emphasizing the emotional toll on peers left heartbroken, angry, and disoriented. The pervasive presence of images and videos on social media is further exacerbating these feelings.
The return to school will be markedly different, with lessons adapted to accommodate interventions by psychologists and memorial services. At the Ursuline institute, officials are already planning a comprehensive response. “Today we will have a teachers’ college to decide on all the initiatives,” explained Sister Claudia Linati, the school’s rector. “We will definitely have the psychological support which will also be extended to middle school students.” She added that students are aware “one of their older companions” has passed away, but the impact is so profound that support is needed across the entire school. The institute will dedicate the first day back to allowing students to express their feelings, even providing space for grief and tears, followed by a moment of silent reflection. “Both for those who believe and for those who do not believe: it will be a moment of silence, of re-elaboration, and also of consolation. Faith makes us believe in a Lord who has risen,” Sister Linati concluded.
Honoring Chiara Costanzo and Supporting Students
The faculty of the Moreschi scientific high school shared a moving tribute to Chiara Costanzo on social media, describing her as “a precious presence, noble of soul, enthusiastic, curious, careful to always look for your best part: a point of reference for everyone.” Principal Bruno Rossilli personally expressed his condolences to the Costanzo family, describing Chiara as “a brilliant student and a very good girl.” He emphasized that her class was “a very virtuous class, certainly the best in the institute.”
Moreschi will also hold a minute of silence and provide pedagogical and psychological support to students in 3AL, focusing on post-trauma emotional management. Similarly, a task force of psychologists specializing in emergency situations will be deployed to Virgilio high school to assist students and staff in processing the trauma. “They are psychologists specialized in emergency situations who will help not only young people but also us in framing this nameless suffering towards something that can be symbolized,” said Vice Principal Mario Secone.
The school is committed to supporting the families of the four hospitalized students, offering flexible educational options – including home and hospital education – as soon as their condition allows. “They are experiencing something too big,” Secone stated. “As soon as there is a glimmer of possibility that their children can be reconnected to school, in any form, we will be ready to do our part, as gradually as possible.”
The Milan school community stands united in grief and resolve, determined to provide a safe and supportive environment for students as they navigate this difficult time.
