Niagara Catholic schools in hold and secure ‘out of an abundance of caution’ after unidentified threat

Niagara Catholic District School Board elementary and secondary schools were placed on a hold and secure and temporary heightened state of security following a threat Monday morning.

In a message to parents, the board said an unidentified individual contacted it with a threat to an unidentified school.

The health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority," the board said in its message.

It added that out of an abundance of caution, all elementary and secondary schools were placed on a hold and secure effective immediately while police investigate."

A hold and secure differs from a lockdown in that students can leave the classroom to go the bathroom or to their next class but can't leave school. In a lockdown, students go to the nearest lockable room, turn the lights out and stay quiet. In both, the outside doors to schools are locked.

Students are safe with their teachers inside the school and will be able to move freely throughout the school during the hold and secure. We ask all parents to please not attend the school to pick up children," the message said, adding the information came when most secondary school students had lunch period.

It also told families that official information will come directly from the board through the school messenger system.

In an email, Niagara Regional Police said the hold and secure was placed on all Catholic schools following an unverified threat."

Police are investigating and will have more information when possible."

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.