Board defends principal’s handling as families question timeline in Partington case

The Conseil scolaire catholique Providence has confirmed it was aware of a police investigation involving a staff member at École secondaire catholique Saint-François-Xavier as early as February 11, 2026. This disclosure follows earlier reassurances given to families that safety concerns were merely rumours, revealing a period where the board collaborated with authorities while maintaining a public narrative of normalcy.

New internal correspondence from Carolyn Bastien, Director of Education, reveals that Kevin Partington’s employment was officially terminated on February 25, 2026. The move follows his arrest on February 20, where he was charged with four counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual exploitation, making child pornography, and break and enter with intent. Bastien acknowledged that the situation has been deeply troubling and upsetting for families, students, and staff, noting a widespread sense of betrayal within the school community.

The board's timeline indicates they began full collaboration with police on February 11, while families have raised questions about when concerns were first brought to the school's attention and how they were addressed publicly. According to the board’s latest update, they began collaborating fully with the Sarnia Police Service on February 11. However, during the weeks leading up to the arrest, the school administration continued to characterize community concerns as unverified rumours that should not be considered as facts. The board now maintains that these actions were informed by specific policies and legal constraints governing such investigations.

The perceived difference between families' claims of early concerns and the board’s eventual description of a 'devastating' situation remains the primary focus for those seeking clarity on school safety protocols. Parents and students who spoke to The Sarnia Journal on condition of anonymity indicate that the vice-principal had been absent from the school since before the Christmas break. During this time, students report that inquiries regarding his whereabouts were met with claims of ignorance from school staff, while parents were explicitly told that reports of sexual assault involving a student were rumours.

Shortly after these reports, the school issued a formal letter informing families that a staff member was "en congé" (on leave). While formal written correspondence used the broader term of a leave of absence, families report being told informally that the absence was for personal reasons or vacation. Director Bastien has publicly defended the principal’s handling of the matter, stating that Mme Fraser acted diligently and without hesitation upon learning of an incident.

In response to the fallout, Bastien and Superintendent Yves Mainville have established a presence at the school to listen to questions from the community. The board has pledged to rebuild trust through honesty and accountability, though they remain limited in what can be shared due to ongoing legal proceedings. Additional supports and counselling resources remain available at Saint-François-Xavier for students and staff affected by the allegations.

The Sarnia Police Service continues to encourage anyone with firsthand knowledge related to this situation to contact them directly. Partington is no longer employed by the board in any capacity. The difference between families' accounts of when concerns were first raised and the board’s later description of the situation as 'deeply troubling' and 'devastating' remains a primary focus for those seeking clarity on school safety protocols.