Dear BCI Students and Families,
I am writing to inform you about a situation involving one of our staff members. Brantford Police Service has charged a teacher at our school with several sexual offences. This individual has been assigned to home, pending the disposition of the charge.
BCI staff and the Grand Erie District School Board have fully co-operated with the police during their investigation, and we will continue to do so.
The Brantford Police Service have issued a statement to the media, which can be found on their website (www.brantfordpolice.ca) or copied below:
On October 29, 2015, the Brantford Police Service arrested a teacher of Brantford Collegiate Institute (BCI) in Brantford, Ontario. An investigation commenced after a student came forward reporting a sexual assault.
A male teacher living in Brantford, is charged with the following offences; Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference and Invitation to Sexual Touching.
The accused was held for bail court set for October 30, 2015 and as a result was released from custody for a court date on November 27, 2015 at 9am. The Justice of the Peace overseeing the bail hearing ordered a publication ban which the Brantford Police are respecting.
Although the accused’s name cannot be released (Sec 486 Criminal Code), nor can any evidence be released of this case (Sec 517 Criminal Code), police believe there may be other victims and anyone with related information that involves a teenager communicating with a male high school teacher from BCI in an unacceptable manner is encouraged to call Detective Jaime Price, of the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 519-756-0113 ext. 2269 or Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477.
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse or sexual assault, remember the abuse was NOT your fault and there is no time limit on reporting the abuse to police.
As a parent, you should be prepared that your son or daughter could have questions or concerns regarding this matter over the weekend. School Support staff will be available and present at the school on Monday to support students.
The following community resources are available:
As Principal of the school, I want you to know that I take the safety and well-being of every student very seriously. We have policies and clear procedures to make sure students learn in a safe, secure environment.
I know that it is important to you, as parents, to feel confident that students are well cared for and protected while they are at school. I take this responsibility seriously, and so do the rest of the staff. I want to assure you that BCI continues to be a safe place for your teen to learn and grow.
If you have concerns or questions, please contact me or one of the vice-principals at the school at (519) 759-3210.
Sincerely,
Ann Myhal, Principal
David Abbey, Superintendent of Education