Steinbach schools released from "Hold and Secure"

The Hanover School Division reports that RCMP has cleared the three schools in Steinbach that were placed under “Hold and Secure” late Wednesday morning. 

Just before 11am, the Hanover School Division reported a Steinbach RCMP presence at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School, and that the school was placed in Hold and Secure. 

Around ten minutes later, at 11:10am, the school division reported that Southwood School and Stonybrook Middle School were also placed in Hold and Secure, “in an abundance of caution.” 

According to the division’s website, Hold and Secure is used when necessary to secure a school because of an emergency situation outside the school. 

The exterior doors are locked and monitored to allow students and staff to enter, but otherwise the doors remain locked. 

As of 12:10pm on Wednesday, the Hold and Secure was lifted at all three schools. 

“RCMP have cleared the schools for release. Classes and bus transportation will operate as scheduled.” - hsd.ca 

The school division has also issued the following statement:

The Hold and Secure resulted from the RCMP being made aware of a known individual who was allegedly in possession of a weapon. No direct threat was made to any of our schools. In an abundance of caution, the SRSS and neighbouring schools were placed in a temporary Hold and Secure, which limits entry/exit to the buildings. The RCMP cleared the schools, and Hold and Secure was lifted. We appreciate the RCMP’s work in keeping our school communities safe.

Timeline of announcements through the Hanover School Division website

April 3, 2024 @ 12:10pm – The Hold and Secure has been lifted at Steinbach Regional Secondary School, Southwood School, and Stonybrook Middle School. RCMP have cleared the schools for release. Classes and bus transportation will operate as scheduled. 

April 3, 2024 @11:10am – In an abundance of caution, neighbouring Southwood School and Stonybrook Middle School are also being placed in Hold and Secure. Please await further correspondence. 

April 3, 2024 @10:58am – In an abundance of caution, the Steinbach Regional Secondary School has been placed in a Hold and Secure. RCMP are at the school. We are working as quickly as possible to confirm the details of the situation. Please await further correspondence. 

Steinbach Online will publish further details as they become available.