The following statement is provided by Greg Luterbach, Superintendent of Schools 

Rocky View Schools (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. We can confirm 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.  

The safety and wellbeing of our students is at the centre of everything we do. 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.   

We also recognize the impact this has on all our staff who dedicate themselves every day to improving the lives of our students. 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. 

Airdrie RCMP encourages anyone with information related to these charges to contact 403-945-7267.

A copy of the RCMP media release is provided below:

May 30, 2024

 Airdrie Rural RCMP charge Educational Assistant with child pornography offences

 Crossfield, Alta. – Airdrie Rural RCMP, in partnership with Airdrie RCMP Specialized Investigation Unit, have laid charges in relation to a sexual interference case. On May 29, 2024, RCMP arrested a male after a complex 6-month long investigation.

Thijs Gordon Vogelzang (43), a resident of Crossfield, has been charged with the following offences:

• Sexual Interference
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Making Child Pornography

Vogelzang has been remanded into custody and is to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on May 30, 2024.

If you have any information regarding these offences, please contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7267. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.