School expresses grief at student’s death

The private school where Lisa Maria Zahra, the 15-year-old girl who died in a tragic fall in the area of Dingli cliffs, attended has issued its first statement since the incident of 19 March.

Zahra died in the fall after being driven to Dingli by Erin Tanti, a 23-year-old supply teacher who had been employed for the past three months at the school. Tanti, who suffered critical injuries in similar circumstances, has been recovered at the ITU in Mater Dei Hospital.

“St Michael Foundation expresses its sincere condolences to the Zahra family at the tragic death of Lisa Marie. Ms Zahra had been a student at St Michael Foundation from the age of 11. The Foundation, members of staff, fellow students and parents are in grief at her loss.  She will be greatly missed,” the school said in a statement.

The school refrained from commenting on Sunday when MaltaToday enquired about the employment of Erin Tanti, an actor who had been employed at the school as a supply teacher for drama.

Dingli tragedy - police look into last mesages left by Tanti and Zahra

The school said that it had strictly adhered to all procedures, rules and regulations stipulated by law in the engagement  of its teachers.

“The school ensures that all teachers have the necessary approvals from the authorities. The school works very closely with teachers, students and parents alike on a day to day basis. St Michael Foundation had no indication of any incidents, on or off the school premises, leading up to this tragedy.”

The school said that due to the ongoing magisterial inquiry on the circumstances leading to Zahra’s death, it will not engage in speculation.  “The Foundation calls upon all members of staff and students to co-operate fully with the authorities.  Respect for Ms Zahra’s memory requests nothing short of that.”