VTRA Fair Notice Letter

Sept. 13, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers:

Regina Public Schools believes that the safety of students, staff and everyone who enters our schools and offices is of great importance. Our Shared Values of “I Respect” and “I Belong” speak to the belief that great learning starts with schools that are safe and comfortable environments in which to learn, work, grown and play. We also work closely with families and community partners to provide supports our students might need to ensure that they are healthy and successful at school.

It is the commitment of Regina Public Schools to treat all students with dignity and respect. This includes intervening to protect students from injuring themselves, other students, staff, or members of the public.  Ensuring safety establishes a safe, caring, calm, and productive learning environment.  To this end, we have worked with a number of community organizations to develop the Regina Human Services Partnership “Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol.”   This protocol allows community partners to share information and use their expertise to provide supports to students and their families.

Note that all high-risk behaviours will be taken very seriously, investigated, and include an appropriate response.  Determining what actions will be taken in any circumstance (e.g., legal, disciplinary, mental health evaluation, etc.) will depend upon the context of the incident.  Each school has a team that includes the principal/vice principal, school or guidance counsellor, psychologist, and school police resource officer to work with the protocol.

For detailed information on the Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) protocol visit www.reginapublicschools.ca.  There is a brochure on the website outlining steps that will be taken whenever the protocol is activated. It is important for everyone to engage in the VTRA process.  If, for some reason there is a reluctance to participate in the process by a threat-maker(s) and/or parents(s)/guardian(s), the threat assessment process will continue in order to ensure a safe and caring environment for all.  Your school principal can answer any questions you might have about the protocol.

We look forward to working with you, and our community partners, to ensure a safe school environment that reflects our shared values.

Sincerely,

Curtis Seifert

Principal