The Sudbury Catholic District School Board aims to maintain a positive and safe environment in their schools for all students, staff, parents, and visitors. Any violence or harassment of any kind will be taken very seriously. Because of this, when a student's behaviour poses a serious threat to his or her safety or the safety of others, a Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) will be activated.

The protocol for the VTRA was developed by partners within the Greater City of Sudbury and is activated by the principal of each school when a student commits an act that may present a risk for their safety or the safety of others. A trained team with members from the school board, police, and community partners evaluate the importance of risks of behaviour and puts measures in place to prevent any threatening acts. The partners will share information, advice and support, and plans will be developed to minimize the risk. In sharing personal information, each individual's right to privacy will be balanced with the need to ensure the safety of all.

The parents of the students having made the threats play a key-role in the process of gathering information, and in the process of developing a plan for the student. When a VTRA is activated, parents/guardians will be notified. If a concern for safety still exists, and parents/guardians cannot be reached, or if they choose not to provide consent to share information, the threat assessment process will proceed. In sharing personal information, each individual's right to privacy will be balanced with the need to ensure the safety of all. Student safety is our first priority.

We reiterate our commitment to maintain a positive and safe school environment in each of our schools. If you have any questions regarding the evaluation process for risk and threats, please do not hesitate to contact the principal of your child's school.