No bomb or explosive found at Yellowknife Catholic school: RCMP

RCMP in Yellowknife say they found no bomb or explosive device at St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife after a thorough search of the school and property.

They continue to investigate the source and motivation behind the bomb threat that led to the evacuation both St. Patrick High School and Weledeh school Thursday morning.

Students at St. Patrick — and Weledeh Catholic School, located in the adjoining building — were sent to the gym at the nearby Sir John Franklin High School. Parents and guardians were then asked to pick up their children.

Classes were cancelled for the rest of the day at both schools.

The Yellowknife RCMP says St. Patrick staff contacted them about the bomb threat around 8:30 Thursday morning.

Shortly before 11 a.m., RCMP officers said they were "in the process of securing and searching the school."

A police dog and at least four police vehicles were on scene.

The RCMP is asking anyone with information to contact the Yellowknife RCMP or Crimestoppers.

In a letter to parents and guardians, Yellowknife Catholic Schools superintendent Simone Gessler thanked parents and teachers for their "quick and efficient response," and said the evacuation went very smoothly.

Gessler said St. Patrick students will return to school on Friday. Weledeh students were already scheduled to have the day off on Friday, and will return on Monday.

"As always, we appreciate your ongoing support and incredible understanding when we experience these unforeseen circumstances," said Gessler.