Some parents of students at Holy Family Elementary School in Whitehorse’s Porter Creek were surprised to see a security guard stationed on the school grounds this week.
According to an email sent to parents by the school’s principal, Maria Gray, on April 8, the guard is there in the morning and after school in response to an “ongoing situation.”
“We have an ongoing situation, and truly, out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Education has hired this security firm for the week to ensure the safety of students, families and staff,” Gray’s email reads.
The email goes on to note that further details about circumstances that led to a security guard being stationed at the school cannot be provided due to privacy reasons. It also states that the guard’s deployment will not impact school activities.
The News was tipped off to the situation at the school by a concerned father of three, who asked not to be identified.
“On Monday, when I drove my kids to school as usual, I noticed there’s a security guard [there], and we’ve never seen that before,” he said, adding that he only later saw the email from the school’s principal.
“I think it’s kind of odd because, you know, we assume that schools should be safe all the time. And we’ve never seen a security guard there before, so that’s what I am wondering (about).”
The father noted that, while he understands the need to protect people’s identities, he wishes the school and Education department would provide more information about the specific nature of the threat.
“Even if they just said there has been a conflict, or something like that, that would ease our concerns […] We’re not interested in knowing about the particular group or family involved, but they should tell us if dangerous things are happening, right?” he said.
A spokesperson for the Education department provided additional information to the News via email, stating that the presence of a security guard at the school is an interim measure that will be reassessed as needed.
“Recent issues with two school community members have led to some restrictions being imposed on their access to school premises, and the security guard is on site to ensure that these restrictions are respected. These measures are in place to minimize disruption and ensure our school remains a safe and respectful environment for all members of our school community,” reads the spokesperson’s email.
Contact Matthew Bossons at matthew.bossons@yukon-news.com