Saskatchewan school shooting: La Loche school studies next steps

Parents and teachers are holding meetings in the northern Saskatchewan village of La Loche, less than a week after a deadly shooting.

School officials will be listening to parents and community members Tuesday and Wednesday, as the community tries to plot its way forward.

"What is key, of course, is creating a sense of normalcy for the school," said Donna Johnson, assistant deputy minister for Saskatchewan's Ministry of Education.

"What's also important is ensuring that the school has the appropriate time to grieve their losses, and to have their memorials, and to receive counselling."

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On Friday afternoon, teacher Adam Wood and educational assistant Marie Janvierdied after beingshot at La Loche Community School. Seven people were also injured at the school. Two teens were killed at a separate residence.

A 17-year-old male suspect has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder.

Both schools in the La Loche area have been closed since the shootings. It's still not clear when they will be reopened.

"We want to ensure that students' needs are met, and then get back to regular schooling at their pace," said Johnson.

This week's events have also been very difficult for the school's staff.

"Our hearts were broken," said Ken Ladouceur, director of education for the Northern Lights School Division. "Truly broken as we're doing our work these days."

Officials said they aregrateful for the support they've received.

"I feel all of Saskatchewan and all of Canada felt our grief with us," said Ladouceur. "Truly, I'm moved when I see the amount of support rushing to our side."

Some members of the community have asked that the school be torn down. As of now, there are no plans to do so.

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