2 Kitchener high schools closed Thursday for investigations into threats of violence

Two Kitchener high schools are closed Thursday due to threats of violence, police say.

St. Mary's High School will remain closed for a second straight day. Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute will also be closed Thursday.

Staff and students at St. Mary's received an email from the school's principal Wednesday morning, advising the school would be closed for the day. Waterloo regional police confirmed the closure was due to a report of threatened violence.

Police say they received a call early Wednesday morning from an unknown person threatening to carry out acts of violence at the school.

An investigation took place to determine the validity of the threat.

Police say the school will be closed again Thursday to continue the investigation.

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) announced Thursday morning Cameron Heights would be closed as staff work with police to investigate a second threat.

"Our priority is ensuring that our school remains a safe place where students and staff experience a caring learning environment that addresses their well-being," reads the school board's memo.

Police say they received a similar threat of violence against the Cameron Heights at 1:20 a.m. Thursday.

Students at the public high school will continue their day learning virtually through asynchronous resources.

Students with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board have a PD day on Friday.

Police note if the investigation determines the threats to be a hoax, the person responsible could face significant charges. That could include public mischief, uttering threats or other serious criminal charges.