Regina schools react following death of Saskatoon child

For now it is unlikely changes will be made to safety policies and procedures at schools in Regina following the death of a kindergartner in Saskatoon.

There are several schools in the city either near Wascana Creek or close to storm channels.

“Teaching and support staff in the schools themselves regularly talk to students about keeping safe and also take steps to ensure their safety, both in the classroom and during outdoor supervision,” Terry Lazarou, Regina Public Schools (RPS) supervisor of communications, explained in an email. “These discussions include keeping safe around bodies of water, train tracks, and roadways.”

Lazarou added in light of the tragedy in Saskatoon staff would likely take more time this week to discuss safety and answer student questions as they come up.

RPS also works with a number of partners like the city, police, SGI and other others on the issue of student and school safety.

In a similar position to RPS, Regina Catholic School Division is sending thoughts and prayers to the family and school community that suffered such “unimaginable loss.”

“Student safety is, as always, our number one priority,” Twyla West, communications and media coordinator for Regina Catholic, stated in an email. “While we do feel confident in our current safety policies and procedures, there are plans to meet to discuss what happened in Saskatoon and anything we should be doing differently.”

Ahmed-Saddiq was pronounced dead in hospital having been found in a retaining pond close to Dundonald School.

As a result some parents have called for fences around school property.

It isn’t yet clear how the boy died.