Eleven schools in East Toronto were placed under a hold and secure protocol on Monday morning after reports of a person with a gun in the area.
According to authorities, the incident occurred in the vicinity of the schools, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. The hold and secure protocol was put in place as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The Toronto Police Service confirmed that they received a call at around 9:30 am about a person with a gun in the area of East Toronto. As a result, 11 schools in the area were immediately placed under hold and secure.
The schools affected by the hold and secure were East York Collegiate Institute, Cosburn Middle School, Chester Elementary School, D.A. Morrison Middle School, William Burgess Elementary School, Gledhill Junior Public School, Earl Grey Senior Public School, Secord Elementary School, R.H. McGregor Elementary School, and St. Brigid Catholic School.
During a hold and secure, all exterior doors are locked, and no one is allowed to enter or leave the building. However, classes continue as usual inside the school. The protocol is different from a lockdown, where students and staff are required to stay in their classrooms with the lights off and doors locked.
The hold and secure was lifted at around 11:30 am, after police determined that there was no longer a threat in the area. The schools resumed their regular activities, and students were able to leave the premises.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) released a statement following the incident, thanking the police for their quick response and reassuring parents that the safety of students and staff is their top priority.
The TDSB also reminded parents to ensure that their contact information is up to date in case of any future emergencies.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having safety protocols in place in schools. The hold and secure protocol is just one of the many measures that schools have in place to ensure the safety of students and staff.
It is also a reminder for parents to have open communication with their children about safety and emergency procedures. It is crucial for students to know what to do in case of an emergency and to follow the instructions of their teachers and school staff.
The incident in East Toronto ended without any harm to students or staff, thanks to the swift response of law enforcement and the cooperation of the schools involved. The hold and secure protocol proved to be an effective measure in ensuring the safety of everyone in the area.
In conclusion, the hold and secure protocol was lifted at 11:30 am, and all schools resumed their regular activities. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having safety protocols in place and the need for open communication between parents and their children about emergency procedures. The safety of students and staff is always a top priority, and this incident in East Toronto was a testament to the effectiveness of these protocols.
