St. Mary's High School in Kitchener closed Wednesday due to threatened violence
St. Mary's High School in Kitchener is closed for the day as Waterloo regional police investigate a report of a threat of violence.
"Earlier this morning, we did receive a call to our communications centre indicating a threat of violence was being planned at the school for early this morning," police spokesperson Cherri Greeno told CBC News.
"As a safety precaution, our investigators did get in touch right away with school board officials and we worked with them on a safety plan for the students and staff."
Greeno adds the school will remain closed for the remainder of the day while police investigate the credibility of the threat.
Public reaction
An email from the school's principal was sent to students and staff advising everyone of the closure.
According to Grade 11 student Corey Lukusa, he didn't receive the email which is why he still showed up for classes.
"I got here and I didn't really notice all the cars were gone," he recalled. "Once I started looking around, there weren't any cars. I didn't see anyone."
Sherin Ameen is a parent who was hoping to register her two children with the school Wednesday.
She said that's now a decision she's second guessing.
"I would have fear for the kids, for everyone here in the school," Ameen said.
"It seems like it's happening again and again in this area. They should have a solution for that. The school should be a safe place for kids to be."