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
LIVE UPDATES Luigi Mangione, 26, arrested in connection with CEO shooting
Luigi Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Penn., after he was spotted at a McDonald’s, authorities say. The suspect was born and raised in Maryland and graduated from Ivy League University of Pennsylvania.
BREAKING Union reportedly drops wage demands in Canada Post negotiations
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reportedly dopped its wage demand to 19 per cent over four years, CTV News has learned.
Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest attempt to topple the minority Liberal government in a non-confidence vote failed on Monday, thanks to the New Democrats.
Trudeau says dealing with Trump will be 'a little more challenging' than last time
Justin Trudeau says dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be 'a little more challenging' than the last time he was in the White House.
Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot
Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw.
Rupert Murdoch fails in bid to change family trust, New York Times reports
A Nevada commissioner has ruled against Rupert Murdoch's bid to change his family trust to consolidate control of his media empire in the hands of his son Lachlan, the New York Times reported on Monday.
Katie Holmes refutes story about daughter Suri Cruise’s fortune
Katie Holmes has posted a screen grab of a Daily Mail article, which reported that her 18-year old daughter, whose father is Tom Cruise, is now a "millionaire."
Family spokesman says slain Edmonton security guard had only been working 3 days
A spokesman for the family of a security guard who police say was murdered while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building last week says the man had only been on the job for three days.
Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game
The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate.