Dene High School shuts doors to develop safety plan after stabbing

Dene High School in La Loche temporarily shut its doors in order to give space to a police investigation and develop a safety plan after a student and an educational assistant were stabbed. CKOM reports that the incident occurred during a fight between two students when an educational assistant intervened. Classes were temporarily canceled and the school building remained open to offer counselling services to those who were impacted. Dene High School worked with community agencies on a safety plan, which included discussions of options to boost safety including installing metal detectors. La Loche Mayor Georgina Jolibois said that the school also needs a permanent RCMP member. “We’re all asking questions and consulting staff, parents and students to gather information that will help inform how we proceed in a way that ensures the safety of staff and everyone,” said school division Director Jason Young.