The Newfoundland and Labrador English School Board and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary both say there was no credible threat, despite rumours someone was planning to do harm at Corner Brook Regional High School this week.
A letter signed by assistant principal Steve Barrett was sent home to parents and guardians Thursday regarding the alleged threats.
In it, Barrett said the school district and the high school’s administration were in close contact with the police on this matter and any information received had been passed on to the police for investigation.
“I encourage all members of the school community who are aware of information related to these rumours to do the same,” stated the letter.
“The safety of our students and staff is a matter we take extremely seriously and if we receive information of a credible threat we will take appropriate action. At this time, we have not been advised of a credible threat by the police.”
The letter went on to encourage parents and guardians to discuss this matter with their children as deemed appropriate. It also noted that guidance counsellor support is always available at the school for students who wish to speak with someone on matters such as this.
All schools in the Corner Brook area, including the high school, were closed Friday due to inclement weather.
The school district said no one would be made available for an interview Friday and The Western Star.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in Corner Brook confirmed it was still investigating the report, but also declined to provide any details. Instead, The Western Star was directed to a Facebook post made by the RNC in eastern Newfoundland after a report of an alleged firearms threat was recently received regarding a school in Conception Bay South.
The police in Corner Brook said the circumstances are similar to the matter being investigated in the west coast city.
The RNC’s post stated that the initial report of the threat had been made via a social media post, but the person who had allegedly seen this post was not able to provide police with a copy and stated its origins were unknown.
The police said the rumours caused fear and panic to parents and students throughout the community, but the RNC’s Major Crime Unit was unable to find any evidence confirming the validity of the alleged threat in Conception Bay South.
The RNC cautioned people to share only information on social media that is known to be true and which comes from a trusted source.
The RNC said it had no evidence to suggest the students involved made a false complaint, which in itself can be a criminal offence.
The police force said it is still taking the complaint in Conception Bay South seriously and will continue to monitor the situation and provide extra police presence in some school areas.
Anyone who has further information about any alleged threats made is urged to contact the police in their area and pass that information along.
