The risk of violence in the school system is a real concern that needs to be addressed.

That’s from Dean Ingram, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association, who was responding to reports from earlier this week of a possible threat of a knife attack at Leary’s Brook Jr. High in St. John’s.

A legitimate threat to students or teachers was not identified by police or school administration, although a pocket knife and a bottle opener that was mistaken for a knife, were seized.

According to Ingram, the situation highlights a serious problem at schools across the country.

He notes that when the news broke he began getting calls from other teachers who had similar experiences.

One teacher informed him she was headbutted by a student and had to go to hospital with a suspected concussion. A school administrator informed him of a recent situation where charges were laid because of a situation.

Ingram says a complete and independent review of school allocations needs to take place, and a discussion needs to happen about what the right levels of supports are in order for students and teachers to be in a safe environment.