05/25/2026
Dear Parents,
This morning at 10:30am we ran another successful Lockdown DRILL here at Sioux North High School.
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is committed to providing and maintaining a safe learning environment in all our schools. Staff, students and visitors have the right to learn, work and be present in a safe and secure environment every day.
However, the possibility of a major incident of violence is a reality which cannot be overlooked. Everyone who spends any amount of time in an Ontario school on a regular basis needs to know how to protect themselves and how to protect our children, in the event of a major incident or threat of school violence.
The Ministry of Education, School Boards and Police from across the province continue to work in partnerships to create safe school environments, and to prepare in the event of a major incident of school violence. For these reasons, and in conjunction with local police and emergency response services, adults and children at Sioux North High School will be undertaking four lockdown drills each school year as part of the ongoing requirements of school board’s policies for safe, caring and orderly schools.
What is lockdown?
A lockdown is an emergency response to keep children and adults safe in a situation where there is a viable threat to their well-being. An intruder in the school, an environmental disaster in the area of the school, a report of the possibility of an armed person in the vicinity of the school or a threat that has been made toward a person or persons at the school are possible reasons for the school to move to a lockdown.
What happens during a lockdown?
When a lockdown is called, an announcement over the public address system of the school is made which directs adults and students. Students and staff immediately move to securable rooms in the school (classrooms, lockable rooms with secondary exits). Teachers will bring students in hallways into classrooms and lock their doors, lights are turned off, blinds and shades are pulled. In more serious threat situations, students are moved away from sight of doors and windows, take cover and remain quiet. Cell phones need to be silenced, and teachers will be responsible for any communication with the office or outside emergency services. Teachers and other staff will ensure that all students are accounted for and will calmly reassure students that the situation is under control but that the lockdown may be in effect for an extended period.
Why do we have to practice lockdowns?
Drills are important as they help us learn how best to respond in emergencies and be prepared for these situations through practice and knowing how to keep safe. Through practicing drills in a safe, age appropriate, and calm manner, children will learn to better cope with the concerns and anxious feelings that may arise.
How can parents help?
Parent support of their children is important to reduce anxious feelings when such a drill is practiced. Your involvement will be very important to reassure your child when feelings of worry or concern are expressed and to remind children that this is another way we learn to keep ourselves safe.
In the event of a real emergency lockdown at your child’s school, the school board will broadcast emergency messages, when necessary, over the radio, television and/or internet. General emergency messages, including school closings, can be found on the board’s web site: www.kpdsb.on.ca . Parents are encouraged to check these sources for updates during emergency situations.
Parents are asked not to call their children’s school during an emergency because this can tie up phone lines and make it difficult for the staff to use the phones as needed during the emergency.
If you have any questions, check out the School Board website information under Safe and Supportive Schools at www.kpdsb.on.ca or feel free to call me at the school.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Holly Szumowski, Principal
We are a progressive and proud public school board that serves the communities of beautiful Northwestern Ontario. We have schools in Kenora, Sioux Narrows, Vermilion Bay, Ear Falls, Red Lake, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Pickle Lake, Savant Lake and Upsala as well as serving the educational needs....
