Sault school board asking for privacy as community grieves deaths of 3 students

Sault declares intimate partner violence epidemic Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is joining other cities by declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic following last week's tragedy.

As the northern Ontario community of Sault Ste. Marie is reeling from the shocking deaths in a violent intimate partner violence rampage, the school board the three young victims attended is asking for privacy and respect.

Three children – ages 6, 7 and 12 – were killed Monday night by a 44-year-old shooter who turned the gun on themselves after also killing a 41-year-old person at another home and wounding a 45-year-old.

Algoma District School Board confirmed the children attended Boreal French Immersion Public School and Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School.

"The Algoma District School Board community continues to feel the immense impact of the tragic events which took place in the city of Sault Ste. Marie earlier this week, resulting in the loss of three students," the school board said in a statement Wednesday.

"At this time, and over the next few days and weeks, we urge everyone to respect the privacy and grieving process of the families, the school communities that were impacted and Sault Ste. Marie as a whole."

A traumatic events response team has been at the two impacted schools and will remain on-site to support teachers with managing their self-care and assisting students who need support.

"We have also provided families with a resource related to talking to children about a tragic event, which may be helpful for families wishing to do so," the school board said.

"Our hearts continue to go out to all family, friends, students and staff who have been affected by this loss."