by Tom Sasvari
BILLINGS TOWNSHIP—A violent assault that took place at Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) has resulted in aggravated assault and assault charges against a young person.
The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reports that on April 11, shortly after 1:30 pm, the community safety officer for the Manitoulin OPP was at MSS at 107 Bay Street, in Billings Township. The officer responded to an assault in progress in the hallway of the school. A 15-year-old student, who had been assaulted by another student, was located unconscious on the floor. Two other students were assaulted while
trying to intervene. MSS staff responded immediately with first aid. The injured victim was transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result, a 16-year-old person from Little Current, who cannot be named under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and two counts of assault.
A witness to the incident said a Grade 9 student was violently assaulted and that the victim may have sustained a broken jaw and two skull fractures.
The OPP confirmed that there was no weapon used in the assault by the accused.
On April 13 MSS Principal Dave Wiwchar sent a letter to families of students at MSS.
“Dear parents/guardians. An incident occurred at Manitoulin Secondary School this week. There was a physical altercation between students in a main floor hallway outside the office at approximately 1:40 pm on Tuesday, April 11.”
“Staff quickly intervened as well as police who were already at the school as part of their community liaison work,” wrote Mr. Wiwchar. “The incident remains under investigation.”
Mr. Wiwchar explained, “social work support has been assisting students since the incident and remains available for students as needed. Members of the Mnidoo Mnising Crisis Response Team visited the school today (April 13) to offer their services and are also available during school hours or in the evening.”
“Mnidoo Mnising Mental Wellness and Crisis Response Team offers 24/7 services for people in crisis on the Island: 705-348-1937,” noted Mr. Wiwchar in his letter. “We thank them for their support. Safety as always, remains our first and foremost priority.”
The Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) was requested to respond to a question as to whether the accused in this incident has been expelled or suspended from MSS. This newspaper was told “we can’t provide that information because of privacy reasons. The Rainbow District School Board takes matters like this very seriously and in our code of conduct students are held accountable for actions that put the safety of others at risk. Our concern is for the students directly impacted and for all students impacted.”
The accused was held for bail and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay at a later date.
