Critical Incidents | Sooke School District

We have extensive emergency plans to prepare for and respond to any emergency we may face. Our schools are required to practice drills annually in preparation for unexpected situations.

During an emergency situation, families may or may not receive immediate communication from the school or district. In evolving situations, it may be necessary for messages to be sent while a school is in a Hold & Secure or Lockdown. The timing and type of communication depend on the circumstances of the event and guidance from law enforcement. Families will always receive information about a Hold & Secure or Lockdown event once the event has concluded.

When communication is shared, we will always strive to provide families with as much accurate information as possible at the time, while also protecting the privacy of individuals involved in the event.

During these situations, our top priority is keeping students and staff safe. We ask families not to come to the school or call the school at that time. We understand this reaction is natural, but limiting calls and visits allows emergency responders and school staff to focus fully on managing the situation inside the building. Students and staff are trained for these situations and regularly practice safety procedures through drills.

Use the ERASE tool to report concerns about safety.

Drop, Cover and Hold – Used in the event of an earthquake, explosion, or any event that shakes the school.
Hold and Secure – Used when the school is secured due to an ongoing situation outside the vicinity of the school, but no direct threat inside the building. School continues as normal inside the building; however, as a precaution, all exterior doors are locked and entry and exit are restricted. Hold & Secure is typically activated in coordination with law enforcement.
Lockdown – Used in a serious emergency situation when there is a threat inside the school, on or very near to school property. A Lockdown minimizes access and visibility in an effort to shelter students, staff and visitors in secure locations. Entry and exit of the building is restricted to emergency services personnel only. Lights are turned off, and curtains or blinds are closed where possible, cell phone use is restricted and all people inside the building should remain quiet. During a Lockdown, school phones will not be answered as the staff is tending to the ongoing situation. Students are asked not to use their phones until cleared to do so.
During a Lockdown, please do not call or text your child. While we understand the instinct to reach out, phone sounds or screen light can increase safety risks for students and staff by identifying their location. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping everyone safe.
If you are visiting a school and a Hold & Secure or Lockdown occurs, please follow the direction of school staff.
The Sooke School District takes violence and threats of violence very seriously. As such, the district provides parents/guardians with Fair Notice about its Risk Assessment procedures.
What behaviours warrant a threat assessment to be initiated?
A threat assessment will be initiated for behaviours including, but not limited to, serious violence or violence with intent to harm or kill, verbal/written threats to harm or kill others, online threats to harm or kill others, possession of weapons (including replicas), bomb threats (making and/or detonating explosive devices), fire setting, sexual intimidation, or assault and gang-related intimidation and violence.
Duty to report
To keep school communities safe and caring, staff, parents/guardians and caregivers, students, and community members must report all threat-related behaviours.
What is a threat?
A threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against someone or something. Threats may be verbal, written, drawn, posted on the Internet, or made by gesture. Threats must be taken seriously, investigated, and responded to.
What is a Threat Assessment Team?
Each school has a Threat Assessment Team. The team may include the principal, teachers, counsellor(s), and a member of the local police agency.
What is the purpose of a threat assessment?
The purposes of a threat assessment are:
• To ensure the safety of students, staff, parents/guardians and caregivers, and others.
• To ensure a full understanding of the context of the threat.
• To understand factors contributing to the subject of concern’s (SOC’s) behaviour.
• To be proactive in developing an intervention plan that addresses the emotional and physical safety of the SOC.
• To promote the emotional and physical safety of all.
What happens in a threat assessment?
All threat-related behaviour shall be reported to the principal, who will activate the protocol for the initial response. Once the team has been activated, interviews may be held with the student(s), the SOC, parents, and staff to determine the level of risk and develop an appropriate response to the incident. Intervention plans will be developed and shared with parents, staff, and students as required.
Can I refuse to participate in a threat assessment process?
It is important for all parties to engage in the process. However, if the SOC or parent/guardian/caregiver is reluctant to participate, the threat assessment process will continue, in order to promote a safe and caring learning environment.
Collection Notice
Schools and school districts are subject to personal information privacy laws and will undertake the collection of information in compliance with the requirements of such laws. This will include limiting the collection to information that is relevant and necessary to address a risk or threat and ensuring that information collected from an online source is only obtained from open-source sites. Schools and school districts will not collect information as part of a threat assessment unless there is reason to believe that a risk exists. Information collected as part of a threat assessment may be provided to police agencies in appropriate circumstances. Information collected will be retained and handled within current records management procedures and guidelines.