Update – November 8, 2017

Dear Parents,

Following up from my last message, you may be aware that graffiti was found at the school yesterday.  As per community violence threat risk assessment protocol, RCMP was immediately contacted. The school, RCMP and the District’s Safe Schools Team have been working collaboratively to review the situation. This collaborative process is part of an ongoing commitment to ensure a safe learning environment for all.

After reviewing the total information received to date, RCMP and the District Team deem the situation to be “low risk”Notwithstanding this evaluation, we are committed to following up on any new information as it comes to light.

An announcement was made to students yesterday that the school was aware of the situation and reassurances were given.  A wide range of reactions is typical and can vary with each individual. I encourage you to discuss this with your child if they seem concerned.

I appreciate your assistance in reminding youth that social media is a public domain and that it may be more appropriate to discuss thoughts and feelings in person. Speculation and rumours are not helpful and in fact can make the investigative work to be done at the school and by the RCMP more complicated.

We take issues that could affect school safety seriously.  If you have any information or concerns related to this or other related incidents, please contact the school principal, Laurie Szadkowski, at (250) 642-5881.

Sincerely,

Laurie Szadkowski

Principal

Journey Middle School

Additional information:

The following class announcement was shared by teachers with students today:

I have some information to add to the information Mrs. Szadkowski shared with us in her announcement about the graffiti found at the school yesterday.

The school, RCMP and the District’s Safe Schools Team have been working together to review the situation. After reviewing the total information received to date, RCMP, and the District Team deem the situation to be “low risk”. It is the responsibility of the experts in our school and community to take steps to investigate incidents like this to ensure that you are safe.

Hearing this may bring up some questions or concerns for you.  Talking to your parents or adults in your life and at school may help.

I appreciate your assistance in remembering that social media is a public domain and that it may be more appropriate to discuss thoughts and feelings in person. Speculation and rumours are not helpful and in fact can make the investigative work to be done at the school and by the RCMP more complicated.

What we know now is that RCMP are working with the school to investigate any information they receive. If you have information you think may be helpful, please share it with the school principal.

Tips for parents – to assist you in these conversations, you may wish to consider the following:

Model strong coping behaviours:

• Remember that you are important models in your child’s life and he / she will look to see how you are handling this situation. Being calm is very important.

Help your child build resilience:

• Resilience the ability to bounce back after an unexpected event or situation in a way that makes one stronger and more confident.
• Acknowledge their concern, but also talk about positive things that are happening in our world and ways that youth are making a difference (i.e. recycling, fund-raising, volunteering)