A Catholic high school in Kitchener will remain closed on Wednesday due to a “threat of violence,” according to Waterloo Regional Police.
“Early this morning, we received a call to our communication centre indicating that a threat of violence was to be carried out at St. Mary’s High School at some point in the morning,” police spokesperson Cherri Greeno told Global News.
“Our officers immediately made contact with school board officials and as a safety precaution a decision was made to shut down the school for the day as our officers investigate to determine the credibility of the threat.”
As of 10 a.m., officers were continuing their investigation, according to Greeno, who could not specify what the threat was.
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“Right now, I can’t get into the specifics of the actual threat, but I can say that it did involve a threat of violence against students and staff.”
Greeno said that people should be aware that there will be an increased police presence in the area on Wednesday as officers continue their investigation.
“We understand parents and caregivers obviously have concerns, as do we, but the main priority for the school board officials, as well as for the police, was to ensure the safety and wellness of the students and the staff so that decision was made to shut down the school,” she said.
St. Mary’s High School issued a notice which says it “will be closed as we work closely with the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) to investigate a threat of violence made against our school.
“Please know that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our utmost priority.”
The school said the move is being made “to assure you that every possible measure is being taken to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board told Global News in an email that the closure was done out of an abundance of caution.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities,” a statement read.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to close the school for the day. Students are advised to review their current work and continue with their culminating activities at home.”
Greeno said that police will be releasing more information as it becomes available.
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