The Border Land School Division (BLSD) confirmed Wednesday afternoon that a Hold and Secure order was issued earlier in the day at W.C. Miller Collegiate in Altona.

In a letter to school families outlining the ordeal, BLSD explained the Hold and Secure was issued at 1:15 p.m. as officials waited for local police to arrive at the high school and assist with an agitated person outside of the building.

During this time, staff and students continued on with their day inside the school but all outside doors were locked and monitored for fifteen minutes. Students were able to leave the building with guidance and supervision from staff.

The Hold and Secure ended at 1:30 p.m. when police arrived and had dealt with the situation.

“Our top priority is the safety of our students. We understand that there could be a range of responses to the situation, and staff have visited all classrooms to update students and explain why a hold and secure is used,” noted the letter.

Further to that, the letter indicated that if any student has been significantly affected by the events and is in need of support, the student or their parent/guardian is to inform to school officials.