Tumbler Ridge Students Return to Class After Tragedy

Students in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, have returned to school nearly three weeks after a tragic mass shooting. On February 10, 2023, an 18-year-old gunman killed eight people, including six students at the local secondary school, before taking his own life.

Return to Class

Following the tragedy, primary school students resumed classes on February 23 and 24 with shortened schedules. Regular classes are set to start on February 26, 2023. The Peace River South School District has announced a gradual return to learning tailored to address the trauma faced by students and staff.

Classroom Arrangements

• Prefab classrooms on-site opened to secondary students and their families.
• Secondary students will attend school from 10 AM to 2 PM next week, subject to change as needed.
• Counselors will be available onsite to support both students and staff.

Safety Measures

In response to the incident, security enhancements have been implemented at Tumbler Ridge Elementary School. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted a security assessment, leading to the following measures:

• A security company has been hired to maintain perimeter security.
• All prefab classroom doors will remain locked at all times.
• A camera system will be installed on campus.
• Two school safety liaison officers will remain on site until spring break.
• Modular classrooms will be equipped with portable radios for emergency communication.

Support for the Community

Lisa Beare, the Minister of Education, expressed her solidarity with Tumbler Ridge, acknowledging the diverse paths to recovery for individuals affected by the tragedy. She commended the school district and community leaders for their support during this challenging time.

The district’s superintendent, Christy Fennell, initially communicated with families on February 13. She emphasized that students would not return to the school where the shooting occurred, prioritizing emotional and physical safety.

Upcoming Initiatives

On February 16, the government announced the installation of modular facilities for secondary students, responding to Premier David Eby’s commitment that no student would be forced to return to the school associated with the violence.

As the community begins to heal, ongoing support and adaptations continue to shape the educational environment in Tumbler Ridge.