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Classes at Windsor Park Collegiate are cancelled for Wednesday, February 25, after a threat referencing that date was reported, the Louis Riel School Division says.
In a community update on Tuesday, February 24, Superintendent and CEO Christian Michalik said the division and the Winnipeg Police Service continue an active investigation. He says the decision to cancel classes was made out of an abundance of caution.
Officials say the threat is specific to Windsor Park Collegiate and there is no information to suggest other schools or the broader community are at increased risk. Classes at all other Louis Riel School Division schools will proceed as usual Wednesday.
Investigation ongoing
The division says it has been working with Winnipeg police since the threat was first reported on February 19.
That work has included interviews and efforts to identify the origin of the threat. The individual or individuals responsible have not yet been identified.
The investigation remains active, and relevant information has been shared with police.
Additional safety measures
Additional safety measures are being implemented, including ongoing collaboration with Winnipeg police, locking all school doors with a single designated access point at the west doors by the gym, and placing additional divisional staff onsite to provide supervision and support.
While students will remain home Wednesday, staff will be onsite and will connect with students virtually through Microsoft Teams to check on their wellbeing and offer resources.
Michalik said student and staff safety remains the division’s top priority. School-based student services teams and clinicians are available to support students who may need assistance.
Police message on school threats
The division also referenced a recent Winnipeg Police Service message noting an increase in threats made toward schools across the city.
In a video shared publicly, Constable Bryan Foltz, a school resource officer with Winnipeg police, said none of the recent threats have been deemed credible, but each one is treated as real until investigators determine otherwise.
“Making threats, even as a joke online or in a group chat, is a criminal offence,” Foltz said. “These charges can stay on your record and may impact your employment, post-secondary opportunities, and travel.”
Police are urging anyone with information related to the threat to contact the Winnipeg Police Service Major Crimes Unit.
