Victim of school bus crash remembered as 'gentle spirit'

Students, parents and staff are signing a special book to remember the nine-year-old girl with a "gentle spirit" who died in a school bus crash in Calgary last week.

Kathelynn Occena was a diligent student and a devoted sister who "truly embodied all that was good," said a news release issued by her school, Mountain View Academy.

Kathelynn was one of 11 students on a school bus that drifted onto the shoulder of busy Crowchild Trail onOct. 18 and smashed into a gravel truck that was parked there after a mechanical breakdown. The bus then careened into a light pole.

A seven-year-old girl suffered serious injuries, while nine other students were treated and released from hospital.

Police are still investigating, but said Friday charges are pending against the female bus driver.

School buses resumed transporting students to Mountain View Academy on Monday. Vice-principal Colleen Ryan said it was important for the children to return to their routine.

"We had at least two adults and on some buses. We had psychologists riding with the students," Ryan said.

"We came out just to meet with the kids and just kind of say, you know what, we're not going to live in fear. We have to keep moving forward. This is a part of our lives and we will do so."

The book of remembrance will be presented to Kathelynn's family later this week.

The school is also setting up a memorial fund to help the family with financial pressures. Donations are being accepted at any Royal Bank branch in Calgary.

Kathelynn's funeral will be held later this week.