ST. PAUL, AB – Monday is the first day of classes following Christmas break for the St. Paul School Division. It also marks the reopening of Racette Junior High School, where three Grade 6 students were pinned under a minivan that crashed through the wall of the French immersion classroom October 25, 2012.
The three girls were flown to hospital in Edmonton. 11-year-old Megan Wolitski died of her injuries the next day.
Richard Edward Benson, 46, of St. Paul was taken in custody at the scene, and was later charged with two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, one count of criminal negligence causing death, resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance.
Glen Brodziak, Superintendent of St. Paul School Division says most of the students from Racette Junior High have chosen to return to the school Monday.
After the October 25 crash, students were moved to the Regional High School. Brodziak says both schools will remain open and students have the option of attending classes at the Regional High School if it makes them more comfortable.
He says 25 students have chosen to remain at the High School, while the other 235 children will resume classes at Racette Monday.
All the teachers and educational staff wanted to return to Racette, says Brodziak.
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The French immersion classroom that was hit by the van will not be used again.
He adds there is not a memorial planned at the school Monday. Instead, he says the day is about taking a step forward. Brodziak says students, staff and the community will never forget what happened, and that counselors and other resources are always available for students.
“As a school division and community, we are indeed left with heavy hearts at the loss of one of our own,” a message posted on the School Division’s website shortly after the crash reads. “At the same time, we are amazed at the amount of support shown and how people have all come together in dealing with this loss.
In different ways, many people have been impacted by this accident, and it is our hope that we will continue to help one another as colleagues, friends, neighbours, and community members.
Although an event such as this is difficult to understand, it is more important now than ever to unite with sensitivity and compassion as we move forward from the events of October 25.”
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