White Butte RCMP said threats reportedly made towards a high school in Balgonie, Sask., have not been substantiated.
Schools in the community east of Regina were placed in a hold and secure mode on Wednesday while police investigated threats allegedly made against the Greenall High School.
RCMP said at no time was there any threat to the safety of the school, students or school staff.
“We understand the impact situations like this can have and we appreciate the support and cooperation of everyone we worked with today,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Sauve, the White Butte RCMP detachment commander.
“As always, the safety of our communities is our first priority,”
Police confirmed the threats were sourced from online comments made towards the school and/or students, and although somewhat vague, were considered quite serious.
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They said most of their information came from third, and even fourth parties, including multiple social media platforms and tracking down the source proved to be a challenge.
The Regina Police Service worked with White Butte RCMP during the investigation and confirmed no schools in Regina were affected.
On April 30, a student at the high school committed suicide and the school division brought in support for students before classes started on May 1.
Prairie Valley School Division (PVSD) released the following statement Wednesday afternoon:
“Our school community has experienced a tragic loss. First and foremost, our sympathy and condolences are extended to the family and we share in their sorrow and loss. As a school division, we provide supports to the school as well as associate schools during tragedies like these and currently have a team of counsellors in place providing assistance to staff and students alike.
“The team will remain in place to allow students to talk about their thoughts and feelings for as long as the need exists. This is a difficult time for the family and we are committed to respecting their privacy.”
Global News spoke with Grade 11 students about the suicide, and how it may have related to the hold and secure situation.
“I think there was a lot of miscommunication. There was a tragedy that happened at our school. One of the students passed away, and, we’re all grieving, but somehow it took a turn for the worse,” said one student.
The student said the victim had been bullyied, prompting online backlash after the student’s death.
The student continued to say that the boy was a “really good friend,” while another student added he had “amazing potential” and was a “kind soul with a contagious smile.”
Approximately 650 students attend Greenall High School.
Balgonie is roughly 30 kilometres east of Regina.
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