Update: Rocky View Schools responds to staff member arrest 

In a written statement on Thursday morning, Greg Luterbach, the Superintendent of Rocky View Schools, updated parents, teachers and staff about recent events at a Crossfield high school, regarding the arrest of a staff member. 

"RVS was made aware a staff member was being investigated by RCMP when they were arrested yesterday, May 29. RCMP advised us this morning, May 30, that Thijs Vogelzang, has been charged with Sexual Interference, Possession of Child Pornography and Making Child Pornography."

RVS confirmed that Vogelzang has been employed with RVS for two years as a learning assistant at W.H. Croxford High School in the 2022/23 school year and was a learning assistant at W.G. Murdoch High School in Crossfield at the time of his arrest.

"RCMP have the school and the division’s full cooperation in their investigation. His employment with RVS has been terminated. We cannot provide further information as the matter is subject to an ongoing criminal investigation."

Luterbach underlined that the safety and well-being of the students are at the centre of everything RVS does.

"Our focus during this challenging situation is on ensuring our students have our caring support. School-based and divisional supports will be available for students at W.G. Murdoch High School and at W.H. Croxford High School for as long as they may need them."

RVS added that they recognize the impact this has on all its staff who are dedicated.

"Division staff are present at the schools and staff are encouraged to access RVS’ Employee Assistance Program for additional support.RVS takes these charges very seriously and will be working closely with schools to support them through this situation. We will be communicating this information shortly to the two school communities and to all RVS staff."

On Thursday morning, Airdrie Mounties confirmed that the 43-year-old man was arrested after a six-month-long complex investigation into sexual interference.

According to Mounties, he has been charged with sexual Interference, possession of Child Pornography, as well as making Child Pornography. The investigation was in partnership with the Airdrie Rural RCMP and the Airdrie RCMP Specialized Investigation Unit.

Vogelzang has been remanded into custody and is to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie today.

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