Latest News & Announcements

UPDATE: February 17, 2026 - 1:45 pm

The Secure and Hold at Chetwynd Secondary School and Windrem Elementary School has now been lifted. The Secure and Hold was called due to social media speculation and made with an abundance of caution and a heightened sense of concern as we prioritize safety of our school community.

February 17, 2026 - 9:35 am

This morning, Chetwynd Secondary School and Windrem Elementary School entered into a Secure and Hold out of an abundance of caution.

RCMP are working closely with the school through this process.

The Board of Education of School District No, 59 (Peace River South) has postponed the regular scheduled board meeting on February 18, 2026. A new date has not been established at this time.

February 11, 2026

For the students, family and staff of School District 59 Peace River South, it is impossible to express the heartbreak that our communities feel for the families who have suffered this unspeakable tragedy. We will never understand it, but what we must do is try to offer comfort in what small ways we can to those who are hurting. To the families in mourning, we hold you in our thoughts and prayers with sorrow. Your grief is profound, and your loss is beyond words. May you feel surrounded by the love of this community. Countless acts of bravery and compassion took place in the midst of this situation. Our students, staff, and so many members of emergency and medical services yesterday experienced the worst of our fears and yet responded to the very best of our hopes.

Continue to read the full message in the letter below.

Our community experienced a tragic and deeply traumatic event. We recognize that the trauma and impact of this loss are immeasurable. There is no timeline for how each of us will process this grief and immense loss, both individually and as a community. While words often feel inadequate in the face of such loss, coming together can help reduce isolation and remind us that we are not alone.

We have created a space at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre (340 Front Street in Tumbler Ridge) to allow our school community to come together over the next few days and as needed. All will be welcome to attend and connect. Mental health professionals will be present to walk alongside and provide support. 

Our priority at this time is taking care of each other and re-establishing a sense of safety in our community. It can be especially difficult to know how to reassure our children when we ourselves are trying to process and make sense of such profound loss. Children may experience a wide range of emotions in response to what they hear or see, and they will look to the adults in their lives to help them feel safe and understand the world around them.

Over the coming days or weeks, we encourage families to remain attentive to any changes in their child’s behaviour that may indicate a need for additional support. As a parent or caregiver, you may feel unprepared to support your child during this time.

Please review the strategies and resources listed below to help guide conversations with children, with the understanding that responses will vary depending on age, development, and connection to this tragedy.