Toronto elementary school principal charged with assaulting student
Posted October 4, 2018 11:53 am.
Last Updated October 4, 2018 6:16 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The principal of an elementary school in East York was charged with assaulting a student late last month.
It’s alleged Sean Hume physically assaulted a Grade 5 student on Sept. 25 at Chester Elementary School, near Pape and Cosburn avenues.
Hume, accompanied by his lawyer, turned himself into police two days later.
Toronto police said the charge is not sexually-related and it could involve restraint of the child.
Two sources told CityNews the student has exhibited violent behaviour in the past.
And CityNews obtained a letter written by Lucy Giannotta, Superintendent of Education with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), which was sent to a concerned parent. In it, she confirms an “aggressive incident” resulting in several students and a staff member being injured.
“Chester staff responded immediately to move students away from where the aggressive behaviour was taking place, and as such, the students were brought into the school and directed to go to their classrooms,” she said in the letter. “At the same time, some staff were focused on de-escalating the aggressive behaviour.”
She went on to assure the parent that on-site staff are trained in de-escalation techniques to provide students with a safe environment.
“Staff know to roam the school yard; intervene quickly if there is a possible situation brewing; and to request adult assistance/administrative support if there is a potential for behaviours to escalate,” the letter reads.
As for Hume, Giannotta said he has been placed on home assignment and will remain there until the investigation is closed.
“While it is important to remember that laying criminal charges does not constitute guilt, and that a person is innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law, we also cannot and do not take these allegations lightly,” she said in a letter sent to parents.
“The safety of students is a top priority at the TDSB and we are committed to enforcing policies about their well-being.”
The TDSB said a retired principal has been asked to fill in at the school in Hume’s absence, and social workers have been brought in to provide support and speak with students.
