TVDSB claims violence hasn’t increased at Saunders amidst student concerns over fights, bullying
After numerous reports of violent incidents at Saunders Secondary School, some students have expressed concerns about feeling unsafe on school grounds.
Multiple students told CTV News that there were several incidents including bullying and damage to property that have taken place inside the school.
“It is a distraction while you’re in class, I know some kids are a little scared,” said Laura, a grade 10 student.
Speaking about one incident Laura said, “On the first floor they shattered all of the cafeteria windows and the salon windows and knocked over a vending machine,”
Other students have said that fights have taken place in the parking lot across the street at the Westmount Shopping Centre as hundreds of students often visit the mall on their break.
“I do get scared sometimes,” said Isha, a grade nine student. “I don’t think my mom read the reviews before she sent me to Saunders.
“They’re mad about what people have said about the school because it’s all true,” said another student who believes the school is concerned with its image, after claims that students have come forward after being bullied.
According to London Police Service (LPS) Media Relations Officer Cst. Scott Mandich, since October 1, 2021 London police have received 28 calls at Saunders for a variety of reasons — some include assaults, mental health calls, property damage, thefts and more.
“We always take these incidents seriously and investigate them fully,” said Dennis Wright, TVDSB’s superintendent, safe schools and well-being.
Despite student concerns about the series of fights taking place, the superintendent told CTV News that the amount of incidents at Saunders has not increased.
“There hasn’t been an increase in specific to Saunders, there’s been an increase in general in the population and we may see that play out over a variety of different schools.”
Wright also addressed concerns raised about a lack of suspensions at the school.
“I know there’s a narrative that we’re not suspending students. That’s untrue. We’ve suspended students across the valley. We’ve expelled students. That’s part of a progressive discipline policy in place,” Wright added.
When asked if any new measures would be put in place the superintendent said that they will be enforcing practices that are already in place.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.