Students at three Winnipeg schools can breathe easier when they head to class Wednesday morning, after the arrest of two youths who allegedly targeted the schools with threats last week.

Winnipeg police Const. Jay Murray said Tuesday one youth was arrested for threats made last Thursday against Arthur Day Middle School and John W. Gunn Middle School, in the River East Transcona School Division.

Another youth was arrested in connection with online threats made the same day toward École Van Belleghem, in the Louis Riel School Division.

Christian Michalik, superintendent of schools for Louis Riel School Division, said two police officers were stationed at École Van Belleghem from Friday through Tuesday.

It's been very stressful for everyone — for parents, for students and staff. - Christian Michalik, Louis Riel School Division superintendent

"It's been very stressful for everyone — for parents, for students and staff," said Michalik. "Things were starting to wear on staff."

It isn't clear whether the youths were students at any of the schools. Police haven't revealed any other details but Murray said more information will be released Wednesday.

While police said last week they didn't believe the threats made Thursday were credible, they stressed that they were taking the investigation seriously.

'Starting to wear on staff'​

Michalik praised teachers and staff at École Van Belleghem for their efforts to keep students calm.

"Staff were doing an amazing job of sheltering kids from this, or [not] allowing this situation to overwhelm them, so I just want to acknowledge their hard work," he said.

"We need to continue to do more as a school system, in collaboration with parents, to have an ongoing conversation with children, with young people about responsible use of social media and the seriousness when one engages on social media in ways that are threatening."

The school had been under a hold-and-secure since Friday as a precaution — meaning classes were continuing, but school doors were locked — but that has since been lifted, said Michalik.

Arthur Day and John. W. Gunn middle schools released online statements Tuesday echoing Michalik's message about responsible social media use and "digital citizenship."

The schools urged parents to watch for signs of how the threats, and arrests, are effecting students.

"As parents, please watch for any signs that your child may be feeling upset," the identical statements read.

"Some examples may include: not sleeping, overly expressing concerns, a change of behaviour or an increase in emotions. If you notice any of these signs, please let the school know so we can help you access further supports."

Stern warning

Const. Rob Carver issued a stern warning to the people behind the threats last week.

We are going to find out who you are. - Const. Rob Carver

"We are going to find out who you are," Carver told media on Friday.

Arthur Day was targeted through threats made on the social media app Snapchat on Jan. 14. That resulted in a hold-and-secure at the school. Police arrested a 14-year-old girl the next day in connection with the threats.

Officers again attended Arthur Day, along with the other two schools, on Friday, after reports of additional threats. École Van Belleghem was placed under a hold-and-secure Friday after the online threat.

The recent threats follow a string of others at Manitoba schools in 2018.