THUNDER BAY – NEWS – St. Patrick High School will be open for classes today.
This comes following a concerning threat directed at St. Patrick High School on Tuesday that led to the evacuation of the educational facility and students and staff sent home.
Thunder Bay Police, in close collaboration with school administration, meticulously completed their investigation and ensured the school’s safety.
A thorough walk-through of the facility was conducted, which found no evidence of threats in the facility, thereby affirming the institution’s security for students and staff.
This is the first time in 2024 that threats have closed the school. However in late 2023 there were a number of days that local schools were targeted.
The Thunder Bay Police Service has made an arrest in connection with a series of threat incidents targeting a local high school earlier this month. The incidents, which led to lockdowns and evacuations, have been a cause of concern for students, staff, and school communities.
Threats Targeting Local High School Lead to Lockdowns
The investigation began when the Thunder Bay Police Service received reports of threats made against St. Patrick High School on Monday, December 11. Subsequently, the school was placed in lockdown, and an evacuation was carried out. The threats didn’t stop there; additional threats were received on Wednesday, December 13, and Friday, December 15, leading to similar lockdowns and evacuations.
In that instance a 14-year-old youth was charged.
Comprehensive Investigation Ensures Safety
The swift action taken by Thunder Bay Police alongside the Board Administration underscores the priority of student and staff safety in educational institutions. The comprehensive investigation involved detailed inspections and assessments, concluding that the school environment is secure and poses no risk to the community.
School Activities to Resume, Community Engagements Paused
In the wake of the investigation, St. Patrick High School had announced that students are invited to retrieve their belongings today, between 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
However, as a precaution and in continued respect for the safety protocols, community use of school facilities and any scheduled permits for Wednesday evening were canceled.
Broader Implications for School Safety Across Ontario
This incident at St. Patrick High School serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges and threats faced by educational institutions in Thunder Bay and across Ontario.
It highlights the importance of rapid response and thorough investigations by local authorities in collaboration with school boards to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. The community’s role in supporting such efforts is paramount, fostering a safe educational environment for all.
As schools across the province navigate similar threats, the measures taken by Thunder Bay Police and St. Patrick High School’s administration set a precedent for how to effectively address and neutralize potential dangers, ensuring that education can proceed without fear or interruption.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (807) 684-1200. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
