November 20th, 2014

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This note is to inform you of an incident at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, Kitchener.

A student at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, Kitchener, reported that they were approached by someone last evening after school, who called out the student by name, and asked the student to go home with her. The student refused, and went home as usual with the parent, but neglected to tell anyone about the incident, until this morning. The person in question is described as female with a medium build, Asian, 5″4″, wearing a puffy knee-length coat which could be light coloured. A staff member at the same school further reported to the principal that a person with a similar description was seen lingering near the buses this morning. When approached by the same staff member, she said she was looking for her son who goes to Alpine. At this point, the school has notified the police who are investigating the incident.

As always, your child’s safety is a priority for us. The teachers have taken the time to review personal safety measures with students.

You are advised to be vigilant and review personal safety with your children. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Waterloo Regional Police at 519-653-7700.

Please take some time tonight to remind your children of the importance of not speaking with strangers and review the safety guidelines that help keep them safe. Here are some suggestions from the Waterloo Regional Police website at www.wrps.on.ca/stay-safe/keep-your-children-safe that you may wish to include in your conversation:

  • Never approach a stranger.
  • Stay away from vehicles you do not know.
  • Be wary of strangers who are overly friendly or take an unusual interest in you.
  • You can go places and accept things from people you know, BUT FIRST get your parent’s permission and tell them where you are going, who you are with and when you will return home.
  • Avoid potentially dangerous places such as secluded areas in parks, school yards after school is finished, alleyways, lane ways and empty parking lots.
  • Never get into a stranger’s vehicle.
  • Never engage in conversation with a stranger who is walking or driving a vehicle. Always stay back a safe distance and continue walking while being aware of the stranger’s actions.
  • If you are ever confronted by a stranger, do whatever it takes to break free, such as loud screams, biting, kicking, and rolling on the ground.
  • Never accept gifts, money or candy from a stranger.
  • Always walk to and from school with brothers, sisters or friends.
  • Whenever possible, if approached, try to remember the licence plate number, vehicle description and the stranger’s description.
  • Contact the police as soon as possible for assistance by calling 911.
  • BASIC RULE: SAY NO. GET AWAY.   TELL SOMEONE YOU TRUST.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.

Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. P. Kaur
Principal