Safety Update

The following message was sent to the parents/caregivers of students who attend Clearspring Middle School, Elmdale School, Kleefeld School, Southwood School, Steinbach Regional Secondary School, Stonybrook Middle School, and Woodlawn School

January 29, 2023

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This email is to confirm that the Steinbach and Kleefeld schools will be open to students/staff on Monday, Jan. 30th. All classes and bus routes will operate as regularly scheduled. Students may notice some RCMP presence at the schools as they continue to provide support.

There have been no additional voicemail threats received following Thursday’s voice message. RCMP have attended and cleared Clearspring Middle School and the SRSS, and nothing suspicious was located. Further to our safety notice issued last week (Jan. 26th), the RCMP continue to take the previous threats seriously and have assigned significant resources to investigate. To date, the RCMP investigation has not revealed any credibility to the threats.

In addition to working with the RCMP, HSD is working with Kevin Cameron, Executive Director of the Centre for Trauma Informed Practices (CTIP). Kevin is a leading “Subject-Matter Expert” for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response in North America. Resulting from our work with Mr. Cameron, it would appear that the voicemails may be an individual’s attempt at a prank or to instill fear. As a result of this and the RCMP investigation, HSD has made the decision to reopen schools on Monday. The RCMP investigation will remain ongoing.

As noted in our previous correspondence, we recognize that the awareness of threats may cause anxiety for some children and that counselling support may be necessary. Divisional social workers and school counsellors will continue to be available at the affected schools on Monday to provide support as needed. If you require additional support for your child, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

We encourage parents/caregivers to reassure their children that they are safe at school. Please be assured that all HSD schools have a student and school safety plan in place, including hold & secure, lockdown, and evacuation procedures and locations. Schools will continue to limit access by only having certain doors open. We also understand that families will choose what is best for their child(ren) and that parents/caregivers may extend their child’s absence. If electing to keep your child(ren) home, please notify the school as per standard absence procedures.

Once again, we thank you for your understanding and cooperation. The safety of our students and staff is of utmost priority. Any inquiries regarding the ongoing investigation should be directed to the RCMP.

Respectfully,

Shelley Amos, Superintendent-CEO
Hanover School Division

in: Announcements