Keep the safety on: Holster replica weapons at home when giving gifts
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The holidays are a time to give and receive, but some gifts – such as airsoft guns and replica knives – are better left at home, or not given at all.
The district is reminding students, parents and staff that weapons, whether real or fake, are strictly prohibited on school property. This includes airsoft guns, BB guns, fake butterfly knives, crossbows and explosives, among others – all of which are not allowed at our schools.
“It’s important that everyone knows what is and isn’t appropriate to bring to school,” said Sarah McKay, manager of Safe Schools. “Real and replica weapons are not toys and should not be brought anywhere near a school, including into the classroom, on the playground or even put in a locker.”
While students may receive weapons, even toy ones, as gifts over the holidays and want to show their friends, McKay said they risk having them confiscated if they bring them to school. Staff are also instructed to notify the RCMP when weapons are found on school property.
“Even if it was a gift, it will be taken away if it’s brought to school,” she said. “The wellbeing of our staff and students is always our priority, and every incident involving weapons of any kind is taken very seriously.”
Airsoft guns – which shoot non-metallic spherical projectiles, typically plastic or biodegradable resin – are particularly dangerous and should never be brought to school as they are hard to distinguish from real firearms and can severely hurt or even kill others, depending on what area of the body is shot.
“They can cause significant harm if shot at a close enough distance,” said McKay. “Furthermore, from a distance, it is impossible to know the difference between an airsoft, BB gun and a real gun. This can put our students at risk when police are asked to respond to reports of youth being seen with a weapon.”
A weapon is anything used, designed to be used or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person, or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person, and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing includes any firearm or any device prohibited or restricted under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Examples include but are not limited to hand guns, rifles, shotguns, air rifles, knives, tasers, laser pointers, daggers, crossbows, explosives, tear gas, mace, pepper spray and any liquid, spray or powder capable of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person. The kerpan, worn as a religious symbol by baptized Sikhs, is not considered a weapon as long as it remains sheathed and concealed.
Schools continue to have discussions with students at school about safety and the district encourages parents and guardians to continue these conversations at home.
