La Loche, Sask., students return to school after shootings

Smiling, laughing children filled the halls of the elementary school in LaLoche, Sask., today for the first time in a month.

Classes were cancelled after two adults were fatally shot and seven others wounded onJan.22at the neighbouring high school in the northern Saskatchewan village.

LeanneGailey, vice-principal ofDucharmeElementary School, said it was one of the best days they've had for weeks.

"The smiles on kids' faces is what we needed and that's what we've been all waiting forthis month," she said, standing in front of the school she attended as a child. "We've finally got to a point where this is where we need to be."

Education Minister Don Morgan, who has visited the community four times since the tragedy took place, was at the school today.

"You have no idea how nice it was to go into this school and hear kids running and laughing, it was really good to see that," he said.

KeidenJanvier, 7,is one of the children who couldn't wait to be back at school."It's because school, you can colour,and play outside and do work to learn," he said.

• CBC IN LALOCHE:LaLochehopes for better future after deadly shootings, struggles with youth suicides
• Crown applies for teen to be sentenced as adult, if convicted
• LaLoche, Sask., shooting leaves 4 dead, others wounded,RCMPsay

Teachers in the village, about 605 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, gathered Monday for meetings at the elementary school and at the high school, La Loche Community School, where teaching assistant Marie Janvier, 21, and teacher Adam Wood, 35, were killed, and seven other people were wounded. Brothers Dayne, 17, and Drayden Fontaine, 13, were found dead in a home near the school.

The17-year-old charged in connection with the shooting deathsmade his second court appearanceon Monday.

A photo posted to a schoolFacebookpage Mondayshows staff wearing matching sweatshirts, arms over shoulders, with a message that said, "Our staff are ready for your return."

The post also included information for the open house and cultural event for students, parents and community members that tookplace Tuesday afternoon.

Government officials travel to LaLoche

Along with Morgan, the Saskatchewan education minister, Justice MinisterGordWyantand Advanced Education Minister Scott Moe met with town council, teachers and victim services today, and attended the open house and cultural event.

High school students in the village of about 3,000 people are scheduled to return to classeson Friday.

The kindergarten to Grade 6 elementary school, with about 500 students, will have security guards in the building throughout the day, a precaution thatmadeSoukSeumDaongamfeel better about sending his son, Tyler, back to kindergarten.

"As a parent, very concerned, but because of all of the help from the province and the leaders in town, I mean a lot has been done in terms of security," the owner of a local grocery store said. "So I feel confident we'll get through this, and I'm very confident that as a community we won't let this happen again."

The value of an education trumps fear and anxiety for some in the community includingKeiden'sgrandfather, PeterJanvier, who is glad to see his grandson eagerly return to school.

"For him, with the competition that's rising for jobs in the future, education is very important for him," saidJanvier, who describes himself as "one of the lucky ones" in his generation. He dropped out of school, but was able to find steady work for close to 30 years.

WilindaSylvester was alsohappy to see her 12-year-old daughter return to school.

"They're not going to get anywhere staying at home," she said. "That's not an option for them."

Sylvester said her daughter isn't scared, but shetold her childshe would take time from her workday to sit with her at school if she needs support.

"As a parent, I'm going to force them to go back to get their education, and them being scared, or them thinking that something's going to go wrong, I'm going to guide them to not think that way and pray."