Safety precautions and school board staff have been increased at St. Angela Merici Catholic Elementary School in Chatham following a "concerning video" posted on social media by a staff member at the school.
Ken Ross, communications officer for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, told CK News Today that the video, posted on Wednesday, included comments about the tragic shooting this week in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that killed eight people and injured many more.
Ross said increased board staff will be working "discreetly" at the school to maintain calm and provide a normal school environment as much as possible.
He also said there's a "heightened alert" at the school due to the situation, but there was no major disruption at the school, as students were in class on Friday, and will return on Tuesday after the Family Day holiday.
Ross said the school board takes student safety very seriously.
"Our primary concern will always be with the safety and well-being of all our St. Clair Catholic students and staff," wrote Principal Julie Knight and Director of Education Lisa Demers in a letter sent to parents on Thursday. "All of us were heartbroken by the news from B.C. and are keeping the victims, their families, and the entire community in our prayers."
Ross noted the unidentified staffer is on leave while the board investigates the incident and is currently prohibited from any Catholic School Board property.
Police added that no crime was committed.
Parent Amy Dahms told CK News Today the news left her very concerned.
"After hearing about B.C., it was like, seriously, in Chatham? What are you talking about? In B.C., the town was small too. It was scary," said Dahms.
Dahms said it happened too close to home.
"When B.C. comes out, and something happened there, it's like, oh my goodness, that's in Canada. Once it gets closer to where you are, your mind starts racing," she noted.
Dahms said her daughter may or may not return to school next week, depending on how she feels.
"If she feels like it's safe and her teacher is there and feeling safe and she is feeling okay, then we would send her. But, if she is unsure and feeling unsafe, then we might let her stay home an extra day," Dahms said.
