UPDATE: Chinook High School
We have all been deeply impacted by the distressing nature of the recent incident that occurred at Chinook High School and the severity of the criminal charges. Our students and student athletes should expect to be safe within our schools, and while participating in school-sponsored activities. The incident involving a group of players in the football program at Chinook is evidence our Division has work to do to fully realize this expectation.
When the incident occurred, immediate action was taken to halt football activities and support students and our entire school community during this difficult time. A police investigation resulted in criminal charges. The school and Division have been engaged in not only investigating the incident that occurred, but also the current and past conditions that may have contributed to this incident. We have enlisted the help of Kevin Cameron from the Centre for Trauma Informed Practices to assist us with this process and response. Cameron is an internationally recognized expert in trauma response.
At this time, the football team has not been cleared to return to game action. The team will be able to resume team activities this week, which will include practice and activities designed to support their wellness and begin to address the conditions that allowed this incident to happen. More investigation and consultation are required before we can make a decision to return to game play. We will continue to consult with experts in responding to trauma, and with parents, as we make further decisions about game play for the team.
With the team resuming activities this week, the school has put in additional measures to meet our commitment to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our football team. These measures include:
- Enhanced supervision and safety practices for all team activities.
- Trauma informed activities to help us better understand what led to this incident.
- Education related to positive team culture and relationships.
- Enhanced wellness supports for members of the football team.
We know there will be challenges along the way, as the team returns to activities and practice. We also know that participating in team activities is valuable and offers opportunities to heal and grow.
In the aftermath of this incident some members of the football team have been targeted for harassment. We understand that serious and traumatic events such as this trigger feelings of anger and frustration. We ask that all stakeholders refrain from directing these feelings towards members of the football team and members of our school communities. Harassment of any kind is not acceptable.
Moving forward Chinook High School and Lethbridge School Division are committed to enhancing learning opportunities for all athletes involved in sports, to better establish and maintain welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environments for all.
We are exploring initiatives and programs designed to help athletes and club members across the Division learn more about how we can work together to make changes necessary to build stronger and better communities within these environments.
Traumatic events such as this can trigger a wide range of emotions and reactions. We encourage any member of our school communities that has been assaulted in any way, or that may need support for any issue, to come forward as soon as they are ready.
Chinook students are encouraged to reach out to Chinook High School Wellness Team via phone at 403-320-7565 or online here: WELLNESS, or the school administration, trusted teachers or counsellors, if they are struggling or require additional supports.
If any member of our school communities need support related to sexual assault or other issues, they can contact their school wellness team, trusted teachers or counsellors or school administration. In addition, there are also many community organizations that can assist, including the following:
The Chinook Sexual Assault Centre - 403-694-1094 (the centre supports those who have experienced sexual violence)
Lethbridge Family Services – 403-327-5724
AHS Mental Health – 1-877-303-2642 or this this link: AHS
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 (text 686868)
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We are deeply saddened this occurred and we are committed to responding in a way that helps us to move forward to enhance safety and inclusion for all our students.