Rotorua Boys’ High School is rallying to support whānau and the wider school community following the death of a hostel student.

Emergency services responded to an incident at the school hostel early yesterday morning.

In a post on the school’s Facebook page on Monday night principal John Kendal said: “As many in our school community will be aware, tragically one of our hostel students passed away this morning.”

“This is a simply devastating situation for everyone involved, and our thoughts and aroha are with the whānau and their loved ones, our students, teachers and wider school community.

“We are liaising closely with the whānau and will continue to support them in any way possible.”

Kendal said the school had support structures in place for students, teachers and wider school community “as we navigate this difficult time together – there is no greater priority right now than supporting them all”.

“We will continue to communicate directly with our students and their parents and caregivers over the coming days and weeks.”

Kendal told the Herald on Monday the school had begun informing its community and putting up support for those affected.

A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said they had sent an ambulance to the Rotorua suburb of Victoria about 6am. She referred all further questions to police.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said they had sent a fire engine to the scene after being called to help St John at 5.48am.

-Rotorua Daily Post