Threat at Petrolia high school prompts concern from parents and students
In Petrolia, Ont. on Friday, the unsettling talk of the town is an alarming threat made at Lambton Central Collegiate and Vocational School (LCCVI).
The incident, which CTV News London has learned from multiple sources happened inside a boy's washroom, was enough for the Lambton-Kent District School Board (LKDSB) to close the high school.
Tara Chovancek’s daughter is a student at LCCVI. She says she came home from school Thursday and told her the boy's washroom had been destroyed. She then shared what was allegedly written on the walls.
“She said there was graffiti written on the wall about a shooting at the school,” Chovancek stated with a concerned expression.
Neither the OPP nor the school board have confirmed what was written. However, the LKDSB has confirmed students found graffiti on a wall and notified the office.
Lambton Central Collegiate and Vocational School in Petrolia was closed on June 3, 2022 after alleged threats were made. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)Chovanek says the incident has her considering keeping her daughter out of school.
“I don’t want her to go back. It’s an awful feeling, [until] the end of the year, the end of June,” she said.
Oliver Morningstar, an LCCVI student, says many friends tell a similar story to what was written. Morningstar says that’s enough for most to want to stay home.
“I definitely feel safer knowing that school is taking the proper precautions and going about this in a safer way for the students,” he said.
While upsetting, the closure is not without precedent. In 2019, Wallaceburg District Secondary School was also closed under similar circumstances.
While most applaud the decision to shut down LCCVI Friday, in town, there is a general uneasiness.
“What is happening? You hear this about the states, but it’s happening here too, isn’t it?” Margaret Opthof told CTV News.
Kayla Vanderwall does not have children at the high school, but still has concerns for her younger children.
“Even sending my daughter to public school today, if the high school is threatened, is her school in a threat? It would be nice to have some answers,” said Vanderwall.
The director of the LKDSB John Hewitt understands the desire for knowledge, but cautions that little can be said with police still on site.
“I think it’s tricky in the middle of the investigation when people want more information. I ask for patience,” said Hewitt.
And when it comes to safety, most are willing to wait, without question.
“What’s a day? It’s better than losing some lives!” emphasized resident Keith Elliott.
CTV News London has reached out to the OPP for an update on the investigation. They have yet to respond to our requests.
According to a statement from the LKDSB released on Friday afternoon, the school will welcome back staff and students for in-person learning on Monday.
Members of the LKDSB Mental health and Wellbeing team will be on site to offer counselling supports as needed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
War monitor says Assad has fled Syria after rebels enter capital
The head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said early Sunday that Syria’s President Bashar Assad left the country for an undisclosed location.
Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says
A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction."
Search for UnitedHealthcare CEO's killer yields evidence, but few answers
As the search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer goes on, investigators are reckoning with a tantalizing dichotomy: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma.
Digging themselves out: With Santa Claus parade cancelled, Londoners make best of snowy situation
Londoners continue to dig themselves out from this week’s massive snowstorm.
Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Groups launch legal challenge against Alberta's new gender-affirming treatment law
A pair of LGBTQ2S+ advocate organizations say they've followed through with their plan to challenge Alberta's three transgender bills in court, starting with one that bars doctors from providing gender-affirming treatment such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those under 16.
Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released
The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023.
U.S. announces nearly US$1 billion more in longer-term weapons support for Ukraine
The United States will provide nearly US$1 billion more in longer-term weapons support to Ukraine, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday.
New plan made to refloat cargo ship stuck in St. Lawrence River for two weeks
Officials say they have come up with a new plan to refloat a large cargo ship that ran aground in the St. Lawrence River two weeks ago after previous efforts to move the vessel were unsuccessful.