CORNWALL, Ontario – There was a police presence at Tagwi Secondary School near Avonmore Wednesday, as officials respond to an undisclosed ‘safety matter.’
In a cryptic message to parents, posted via social media Tuesday, Tagwi principal Geoff Trasuk warned parents police would be in attendance at the school Wednesday “to ensure the best start to our day of learning.”
Upper Canada District School Board spokesperson Allison Grange later told Seaway News the school day concluded without incident.
“It was a rumour and something they wanted to look into,” she said of the police activity.
But just what has prompted the police to act is not known – and some parents are demanding answers.
“I have to admit this has me quite concerned. I may just keep my son home tomorrow,” said one parent on the school’s Facebook page.
“Parents should have been informed as to what is going on so they can make a decision that is in their best interest,” added another.
In his letter Trasuk suggested a rumour concerning a safety matter at the school had been brought to the attention of staff.
School officials consulted with police and developed a support plan.
“While we have no evidence to suggest that there are any concrete concerns for our students or our school, we felt it wise to let the community know that the police services will be at our school (Wednesday),” Trasuk wrote.
He later updated his comments.
“I am hoping that you will understand that since the matter has been reported to the police, and given that they are investigating what the school has brought forward, we cannot comment further at this time,” Trasuk said. “I can assure you that we are planning for a business-as-usual approach to our day at school, today. The only exception is that some members of our local OPP detachment will be in attendance as they investigate the content of this ‘rumour’, which we provided to them yesterday.”
