Enhanced security remains in place at Peel Catholic schools

Attendance is low as enhanced security remains in place for the second straight day at four Peel Region Catholic high schools that were among six schools targeted by online threats of violence.

Holy Name of Mary, St. Thomas Aquinas, Notre Dame and Ascension of Our Lord Secondary Schools were named as targets by the online threats Peel Regional Police were made aware of March 2. The threats indicated someone would attend the four schools, along with Louise Arbour and Chinguacousy Secondary Schools, on Friday “to shoot them up.”

Peel Regional Police Const. Donna Carlson said police are continuing to investigate the threats — which Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown on Twitter said were made via Snapchat — and working with the two local school boards in formulating a security plan. Carlson said people can expect to see a visible police presence at each of the schools and “enhanced on-site security.”

The enhanced security saw Peel police and private security officers on site, controlled access to and from school buildings, increased administrator visibility within school hallways and students will be encouraged to bring their lunches to school to minimize exit and re-entry to schools, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board said in a letter to parents and students.

The board has kept parents from the named schools in the loop since the threats were made March 2.

“We are taking the threat seriously” and “continue to be informed” by police, the board said.

“We continue to pray for a peaceful and timely resolution and thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The public board has done likewise, it said in a statement to media.

Meanwhile, two students were arrested at two of the six six schools, which police did not name, and charged with uttering threats. The two, a 16-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, are not connected to the threats to the six schools, said Bruce Campbell, communications manager for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic board.