Frances Kelsey Secondary School had a small gun scare earlier today after a student was seen in the school’s parking lot holding what appeared to be a handgun.
It turned out that what the student was holding was not, in fact, a real handgun, but rather a toy cap gun with the orange tip removed, according to Frances Kelsey principal Kevin van der Linden.
In an email to parents, van der Linden informed parents that the student had been located and it was determined that some students were conducting a “mock arrest.”
The school’s principal also noted that Shawnigan Lake RCMP had been notified and are taking the matter seriously.
Though the school claims police were involved, Shawnigan Lake RCMP spokesperson Corporal Alex Bérubé told Victoria Buzz that nothing has come across his desk on the matter.
The school also told parents that an internal review would be conducted as part of a process to ensure student and staff safety.
One concerned parent told Victoria Buzz they are not happy with how the matter was handled, especially given the recent school shooting in BC.
“The ‘secrecy’ and ‘hushing’ by the faculty is ludicrous — parents have the right to know when there [sic] children are in danger,” said the concerned parent.
“Given recent events in Tumbler Ridge you would think a situation such as this would be taken more seriously by the faculty and the School District.”
A spokesperson from School District 79 told Victoria Buzz that the matter is being taken seriously, and assures parents that police did attend the school following the incident.
“It was unacceptable,” said Jeff Rowan, Assistant Superintendent of Grade 8-12 and Communications.
“I think it was, unfortunately, unintentional.”
