Gomtolpios: RCMP investigating Leduc principal after Grade 3 students asked to show underwear

“The staff involved are on leave while the Division investigates and reviews the incident"

RCMP are conducting a criminal investigation into allegations that a Leduc elementary school principal marched several third grade students to the bathroom, asking them to show their underwear, possibly to determine who had an "accident" in their pants. Postmedia, file

Outraged parents took to social media after Wednesday reports from Grade 3 students at École Corinthia Park School in the Black Gold School Division classroom, with some of the kids reporting that the incident was sparked when someone soiled their pants.

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“On Feb. 8, we did receive a report as a potential infraction of the Child Welfare Act,” RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said in a Monday interview.

“We are conducting a criminal investigation into those allegations.

“Our Leduc general investigation section has taken over the investigation. They investigate more complex offences,” Savinkoff said.

Multiple people, including students, are being interviewed as part of the investigation, he said.

“The nature of these allegations are very serious and we’re certainly going to be taking them very seriously with our investigation,” he said.

“We are in charge of criminal investigations based on the allegations made,” he said, adding that the school district may conduct its own investigation of possible infractions within school district rules.

There was no school on Thursday or Friday as many of the school’s teachers were in Edmonton for the Alberta Teachers’ Association convention but, on Monday, the principal and a third grade teacher were not at work.

The school district declined to provide specifics, citing an ongoing investigation, said acting superintendent Cindi Vaselenak.

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“The Black Gold School Division is aware of a reported incident of significant concern at one of our schools,” she wrote in a released statement.

“The staff involved are on leave while the division investigates and reviews the incident.

“We take seriously our commitment to provide safe and caring schools for our students. It is neither legally permissible nor appropriate to further comment on confidential student and personnel matters,” she said.

In a note to parents shared by some on the social media platform X, Calvin Monty, associate superintendent for human resources at Black Gold School Division, reminded parents of school support resources for the school’s children.

“We’d like to make you aware of a situation that happened within the school on Wednesday Feb. 7 involving the principal and inappropriate conduct,” said the post, which added that several children in the class confirmed the kids were removed and were taken to the “washrooms and requested they show their underwear.

“At this time, it has not been confirmed why this occurrence took place.”

One parent posted, “I have no words, I’m completely shook… These poor kids!!!!”

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École Corinthia Park School is a French immersion school for students from early childhood through Grade 6.

According to the district’s website, the Black Gold School Division’s board of trustees is “committed to providing students with welcoming, caring, respectful, safe and healthy learning environments that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging. Every student within the division has the right to learn and work in schools that promote equity of opportunity, dignity, and respect,” the site said.

“We value the health and wellness of every member of our school community and commit ourselves to sustain this in a welcoming and positive culture every day,” the site said.

Under the priority of wellness, the school’s goals are to “build safe, positive, healthy environments for learning and working to nurture student and staff well-being … Students, staff and parents contribute to a safe, welcoming, healthy and inclusive learning and working environment that welcomes diversity and promotes personal and professional growth and wellness,” the site said.

jcarmichael@postmedia.com

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