Vivid memories of the first threat leveled against Hammarskjold high school remain fresh in the mind of the mother of two students.
Wendy Luoma got quite emotional when speaking at a packed Christ Lutheran Church last night, recalling the nightmares she started to have after hearing details from her son.
“Hearing that the SWAT came in with their guns pointed at them, up against the wall. My husband was mortified they did that, but my son said ‘No, they needed to scare the heck out of us.'”
The Hammarskjold parent adds her son saw seemingly unshakable teenage boys very nervous.
Another Grade 12 Hammarskjold student is very happy she went last night.
Gracie Dekker admits to having anxiety and worries every day there’ll be another lock down, or they’ll be sent home.
“I’ve been to school a day and a half in the past two weeks. It’s terrifying, and I’m so grateful we are getting answers now, and that people are writing to others, saying ‘We need answers'”.
The Grade 12 students admits she didn’t want to go to the meeting last night, but her parents convinced her to.
And for the mother of a special needs students, this has been very tough on her.
Tereza Biloski tells us not only is it tough for her son who doesn’t understand what’s happening, it’s extremely disappointing the school board hasn’t helped at all.
“They should be here, they should be backing us up, and they should be making this safe for our students. There should be steps in place that should’ve been done at least 2 weeks ago, this has gone too far.”
The very respectful crowd heard many suggestions over how security could be handled, with many students in attendance praising teachers for their efforts, and thanking Thunder Bay police.
Concern was also expressed over on-line courses, how international students are being affected, and whether students will be able to finish their year.
Thunder Bay Councelling spoke before the question and answer period, noting there are services in the community to help with this very stressful time.
