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
DEVELOPING Words carved into bullet casings, police sources say amid search for gunman in shooting of U.S. CEO
Investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk, then disappeared into Central Park.
AI modelling predicts these foods will be hit hardest by inflation next year
The new year won’t bring a resolution to rising food costs, according to a new report that predicts prices to rise as much as five per cent in 2025.
Congo government says it's 'on alert' over mystery flu-like disease that killed dozens
Congo’s health minister said Thursday the government is on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people.
'Kids are scared': Random attacks have residents of small-city N.L. shaken
Mount Pearl, near St. John's, has been the scene for three random attacks in November. Police have arrested and charged seven youth.
Ready to light up your home for Christmas? Here are some safety tips
The magic of the holidays wouldn't be complete for many people without Christmas lights, but there are some important tips to know before you set up your ladder.
George Russell accuses Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behaviour as F1 feud deepens
Mercedes driver George Russell has accused Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen of bullying and threatening behaviour as a dispute between the two at last week's race in Qatar deepened Thursday.
'At the dawn of a third nuclear age,' senior U.K. commander warns
The head of Britain’s armed forces has warned that the world stands at the cusp of a 'third nuclear age,' defined by multiple simultaneous challenges and weakened safeguards that kept previous threats in check.
Canada Post stores continue to operate during strike — but why?
As many postal workers continue to strike across the country, some Canadians have been puzzled by the fact some Canada Post offices and retail outlets remain open.
'It was like I was brainwashed': 2 Ontarians lose $230K to separate AI-generated cryptocurrency ad scams
Two Ontarians collectively lost $230,000 after falling victim to separate AI-generated social media posts advertising fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.