SASKATCHEWAN — School divisions in Saskatchewan have been reacting to the school shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Feb. 11 that left nine people dead, including the shooter, and 27 injured.
The suspect, 18-year-old Jesse VanRootselaar, shot and killed two people at a residence away from the school, and then went to the school and killed one educator and five students. VanRootselaar died of what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Derrick Kunz, the communications consultant for the Greater Saskatchewan Catholic Schools, said the division has supports that are available to students as needed.
“As a community of faith, many of our schools, classes [and] staff pray for all of those involved,” Kunz wrote in an email.
The division has a community safety and emergency preparedness plan, he said, that prepares for emergencies and keeping students in its care safe.
“In partnership with other school divisions, Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services, we have developed safety and emergency plans for a variety of scenarios.”
These include a perimeter lockdown, in which external doors are locked to allow learning to continue inside the safe confines of the school; and school lockdown, in which safety protocols are activated to protect against a potential threat in the school.
"The protocol helps organizations respond proactively to prevent and reduce the potential for school violence. Organizations work together and share information to assess a threat level and plan intervention to support the young person and his or her family,” the protocol states.
In a letter to parents, Ken Sampson, the director of education for the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division, said Holy Family was deeply saddened to learn of the “horrific” shooting that occurred in Tumbler Ridge.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire community as they face unimaginable losses,” Sampson wrote. “Events such as this can be distressing for children and adults alike. Even when incidents occur in another community, the emotional impact can be very real.”
Students may hear about the tragedy through social media, conversations or news coverage, the letter says, and may experience a range of emotions including fear, confusion, anger or sadness.
If a child expresses concerns or heightened anxiety at home, Sampson said school teams are available to provide support.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out to our school administrators who will be able to guide and navigate supports for your child. We encourage families to maintain open conversations and reassure children that they are safe and cared for.
“We hold the entire Tumbler Ridge community in our prayers and stand united in our commitment to compassion, safety and hope.”
Other divisions in the province did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Saskatoon Public Schools director of education Shane Skjerven offered the local school board’s condolences to the families and victims of the tragic shooting that occurred in a Tumbler Ridge school northeast of British Columbia, as they face the difficult and painful reality of the incident.
“We are extremely saddened by the tragic events that took place in Tumbler Ridge, BC, yesterday. Our thoughts are with the students, staff, families and the entire community as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy. The impact of this tragedy is deeply felt by everyone across the country,” said Skjerven in a letter released on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
SPS has also ordered all schools to lower their flags to half-mast starting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, and until the end of the school day on Friday, Feb. 13, in a show of support for the northeastern community of Tumbler Ridge.
The shooting left at least nine people dead, including the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaa, a former student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, while over 20 were injured in the incident that left shock waves in the country, and a community grasping for answers as they mourn those who perished.
Skjerven assured that the local school board has the safety of students as its top priority, with teachers and staff working daily to ensure schools are safe and caring environments. A situation like this would raise questions from parents and caregivers.
The tragic incident put the centre of school safety, especially in Saskatoon, after a 14-year-old student set fire to a 15-year-old victim during lunch break on Sept. 5 at Evan Hardy Collegiate. A school teacher helped the victim by attempting to put out the fire and was later treated for minor injuries.
Skjerven assured that students in schools regularly practice the emergency procedures in place, in addition to their Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol, and that they have established partnerships with the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Fire Department, protective services, and other agencies aimed at maintaining safe communities.
– With files from Jon Perez
