Brisbane, QLD: A wave of shock and grief has swept through the All Hallows’ School community following the heartbreaking death of a Year 9 student over the weekend. The prestigious Catholic girls’ school in the heart of Brisbane abruptly closed its doors on Tuesday, July 22, in response to what the school described as a “significant event.”
Parents were informed via email around 1:30 p.m., prompting an early dismissal of students and the immediate cancellation of all academic, cultural, and sporting activities, including a scheduled parent-teacher meeting. By 2 p.m., students were seen being collected by family members outside the school gates.
In an official statement, Principal Catherine O’Kane confirmed the “tragic loss” of one of their students, expressing profound sorrow on behalf of the school. The student has been identified as Stella Medeiros Hodge, and the family has requested privacy during what the principal described as a “very sad and difficult time.”
“I know that our community will respect this with the utmost sensitivity and care,” O’Kane said. She also urged families to approach the topic with compassion when speaking to their daughters and to be mindful in their use of social media.
While Queensland Police have not made a public statement, it is understood the student’s death may have been linked to a mental health crisis. Authorities have confirmed they do not comment on individual mental health cases.
School leadership emphasized that the decision to close was not made lightly and that support services will be made available to students and staff in the coming days. Funeral arrangements will be released.
Stella Medeiros Hodge was the daughter of Lucia Ines Medeiros Hodge and Iain Hodge, both from Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, and residents of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Lucia Medeiros. Hodge is the singing teacher at Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore
Lucia Ines Medeiros Hodge
Lucia Ines Medeiros Hodge
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