Pupils and staff at the Jokela School Centre held a memorial occasion on Friday, marking 12 months to the day since the school - and Finland - was traumatised by a senseless mass killing.
On November 7th, 2007, a disturbed upper secondary school pupil shot eight other persons, fellow-pupils and teachers, before eventually killing himself with his own gun in the middle of a normal school day.
Friday's event was attended by the Minister of Education Sari Sarkomaa and by the Bishop of Espoo Mikko Heikka.
Pupils sang and classes left candles of remembrance on the shores of a nearby pond. The day in Jokela has passed off very peacefully, and pupils returned to their desks after the memorial occasion.
This evening, the young people at the school will be able to congregate at the local church and sports centre, where they will have a chance to discuss with counsellors the events of last year and the effects they have had on them.
