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SD78 reacts to Abbotsford school stabbings

Flags will fly at half-mast tomorrow; SD78 reassures that schools are prepared for such an incident.
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Abbotsford Senior Secondary school on Wednesday

Fraser-Cascade School District 78 (SD78) has reacted to the shocking attack on Tuesday at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School.

Two female students were stabbed at that school by a male who is not a student there, and one of the girls has since died from her injuries.

According to the SD 78 District Parent Advisory Council's Facebook page, SD78 school board has approved flying flags at half-mast at all schools throughout the district starting tomorrow through to the day of the funeral or memorial service.

SD78 board chair Linda Kerr will also give the Abbotsford school district their support.

SD78 assistant superintendent Kevin Bird, who oversees this, confirmed that SD78 has sent “their deepest sympathies and offered any support they might need.”

Within SD78's boundaries, Bird reassures schools have adequate preparation should a similar incident happen.

“When a critical incident takes place, our district safe schools coordinator counsellors, administrators, youth support workers and other service providers know what to look for and who to contact for support and help as needed,” wrote Bird in an email.

Bird noted that they follow RCMP protocols for schools and practise drills regularly.

“There are staff at every school trained to recognize and take appropriate actions should a threat occur,” said Bird. “We are well supported in all our communities by youth mental professionals and our local RCMP with whom we meet regularly.”

Bird added that SD78 also works with Safe Schools BC and receives information of critical events, which helps them work with their partners in youth mental health and the RCMP “to tailor our services to the needs of our students and staff.”

- with files from Abbotsford News, Chilliwack Progress.

Read the full report in the Nov. 10 edition of The Standard.