School is out for the day at Cedar Hill Middle School due to an act of vandalism.
School District 61 (SD61) announced early Friday morning that school’s start would be delayed until noon, and soon after announced that all classes would be cancelled for the day.
Saanich Police say that around 3:15 a.m. on Friday, February 10th, individuals broke into the school which set off an alarm.
“It appears individuals broke into the school and discharged fire extinguishers around the building, significantly impacting the first floor,” said Lisa McPhail, communications director for SD61.
“It was initially suggested that students would have a delayed start to the school day.”
“Unfortunately, given the current condition of the school, crews require additional time to complete cleaning up the damage. It is anticipated that it will take today and tomorrow to clean up the debris that was discharged from the extinguishers.”
At 7:19 a.m., SD61 tweeted about the vandalism and the delayed start that resulted from it, then just over an hour later at 8:25 a.m. they tweeted again saying that classes would be cancelled.
Update (8:25 a.m.) – Please be advised that Cedar Hill Middle School will remain CLOSED today. Unfortunately, given the current condition of the school, crews require additional time to complete cleaning up the damage from last night’s vandalism. Thank you for your understanding! https://t.co/7ZwqyvkjRV
— Greater Victoria School District (@sd61schools) February 10, 2023
Friday is anticipated to be the only day the school will need to be closed, so students should anticipate a return to school on Monday.
Saanich Police said that they have an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Anyone that may have information or saw anything suspicious near the school this morning is asked to call Saanich Police at (250) 475-4321.
To report anonymously through the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers, call1-800-222-8477.
