Bryn Levy
Regina Leader-Post
Happenstance appears to have played a significant role in preventing a horrific scene at a Saskatoon high school from escalating even further out of control, according to Saskatoon police.
“This is not just another day at the office,” Sgt. Ken Kane said on Thursday, conveying the level of shock among staff in the Saskatoon Police Service’s school resource officers’ unit after a serious assault involving students at Evan Hardy Collegiate.
An officer happened to be at the high school on an unrelated call around 12:15 p.m. when a 14-year-old girl is alleged to have attacked a 15-year-old girl by setting her on fire.
On Friday morning, the 14-year-old — wearing a black shirt and with family members in attendance — appeared in Saskatoon provincial court, charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and arson. The case was adjourned until Wednesday.
“Everyone looks to the uniform to do something, and he did exactly what we would expect him to do,” Kane said of the officer at the school.
“Our officer that was on scene was at the immediate area of the event within 30 seconds and had someone in custody within 60 seconds … I believe this situation could have been much worse and more out of control if we didn’t have an officer there right away.”
Firefighters and paramedics arrived within minutes, Kane added.
The injured girl was taken to hospital. She was then transported to a facility in Edmonton for care and treatment, the StarPhoenix learned.
Kane said school staff extinguished the fire and one teacher who was injured also went to hospital.
Saskatoon Public Schools said more than one staff member was hurt. In an emailed statement, a spokesperson said the injured student and a staff member were transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Students were sent home Thursday afternoon. Classes were cancelled for Friday, as was a senior football game between the Souls and Bedford Road. Ongoing supports are to be in place for students and staff affected by the potentially traumatic incident.
“We are grateful to the Evan Hardy staff for their immediate response and acknowledge it was a traumatic incident for the entire school community,” the spokesperson wrote.
On various social media platforms, Evan Hardy students described the chaos of the scene: how quickly it unfolded, panic and fear, the bravery of staff in the area, and questions not only about how and why but also what happens at the school in the coming days and weeks.
Samantha Becotte, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, said members have been shaken.
“Right now, we’re just really focusing on supporting the staff that are there and making sure they have what they need to welcome students back. This is a really traumatic incident for the whole community,” she said.
“We want to ensure that when they return, that they’re comfortable and safe, and then looking forward into the future, hoping to have further conversations about what’s needed to ensure incidents like this are prevented.”
Kane said the attack was upsetting for officers.
“The mood in our office right now is quite low,” he said. “This is not something we ever expected and really could prepare for.”
Kane said detectives are expected to interview witnesses and school staff in the coming days to try to piece together what happened and what relationship there was, if any, between the suspect and the alleged victim.
Thursday was the second full day of classes for high school students in the 2024-25 school year.
In a letter sent to caregivers, Evan Hardy principal Karen Peterson said the school “will continue to provide a safe, caring and compassionate learning environment.
“When school resumes, we will maintain daily schedules and routines as much as possible, as this provides a sense of safety, security and comfort. We will also have additional counselling support at the school to respond to students’ needs.”
She urged students’ caregivers to be patient and responsive to the children when talking to them about the incident, to “talk openly about their feelings, fears, and questions,” and to seek available counselling or contact school staff.
“Youth will react in a variety of ways to traumatic events,” Peterson said. “Some students may be more impacted than others due to experience or connections and seriousness of the incident.”
The STF has long pushed the provincial government for additional supports to address rising violence and better help higher-needs students. Teachers went on strike and pulled volunteer work to pressure the province to move on those issues during a labour impasse earlier this year. Both sides have since agreed to binding arbitration, with talks scheduled for December.
“We’re looking to further those conversations, talking about solutions to the challenges students and teachers face in schools and classrooms, and what is needed to best support them and ensure everyone has a safe learning environment where they can thrive,” Becotte said.
“But, right now, the focus really needs to be on supporting people in a really challenging time.”
— With Canadian Press files from Jeremy Simes
