Calgary student threatens to ‘shoot a firearm at school’ in anonymous survey

Students attending William Aberhart High School in northwest Calgary have been warned of threats made against the school by a student.

A letter sent home to parents on Monday explained that an assistant principal reviewing results of an anonymous student survey found someone had threatened to “shoot a firearm at school before the end of June.”

The discovery was made on June 9.

“While we do not know at this point if the threat is credible, the safety and security of students and staff is our top priority,” the letter, signed by Tamie Annis-Johnson, the school’s principal, stated.

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According to the letter, security measures at the school were immediately increased.

“Steps taken include hiring a private security guard, increasing police presence, locking all exterior doors except the main entrance to ensure there is limited and monitored access to the building, and reviewing our security protocols with staff.”

School administrators said they are investigating the threat with the help of the Calgary Board of Education, and hope to identity the student who made the threat – and if it was “written with intent to carry out” or “simply an ill-conceived prank.”

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Students, meanwhile, aren’t taking the matter lightly.

“I think it might have been some kid’s sick joke but it’s still the possibility that it could happen that is always scary,” Grade 12 student Chase said.

All classes and exams are set to continue as previously scheduled. Students said the exam period is a stressful time without the additional threat.

“Its not a joke considering what happened in Orlando,” Grade 12 student Crystal said. “But hopefully it’s nothing serious.”

The school is encouraging students to be aware of what is being written on their friends’ blogs, Facebook wall and in emails, and to report anything unusual.

“It’s not unusual to receive threats of this nature at a high school, but it’s important that we respond appropriately to ensure we continue to provide a safe learning environment.”

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School administrators say a school resource officer from the Calgary Police Service will be on site every day, along with a security guard, until the end of the month. A Calgary police vehicle was parked in front of the school all day Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the Calgary Police Service said they are invested in school safety, and making sure students are safe.

“We want to work proactively with the school, so that we’re invested in problems from a very early onset, before they become large issues,” S/Sgt. Dominick Mayhew said.

“As you can imagine, the vast majority of issues that occur at school, are resolved at the school level,” Mayhew added.

With files from Global’s Gary Bobrovitz

BELOW: Read the letter sent home to parents of students at William Aberhart High School

William Aberhart letter to parents