Former Saskatoon Christian School Principal Found Guilty of Assaulting Three Students with Paddle

Duff Arthur Friesen, former principal of Christian Centre Academy in Saskatoon, was found guilty of three counts of assault with a weapon following a jury trial. The conviction pertains to former students Andrew Watson, Robynne Randall, and Jillian Kudryk. Friesen was acquitted on two other counts involving Sean Kotelmach and Coy Nolin.

The trial, which spanned two weeks, involved detailed testimony and evidence review by Justice Daryl Labach. During jury instructions, Labach outlined the school’s disciplinary practices, which included a system of demerits, cautions, and “scriptural discipline,” the latter involving paddling. The school, which operated from a single building on Pinehouse Drive, had strict rules governing students’ activities and behavior.

The paddles used for “scriptural discipline” varied in size, with larger ones reserved for older students. Refusal to comply with paddling could result in expulsion. The school, originally named Christian Centre Academy, later became Legacy Christian Academy and is now known as Valour Academy. It has historical ties to Mile Two Church, now called Encounter Church.

Testimony from Sean Kotelmach, who was paddled by Friesen three times during his teenage years, was presented during the trial. However, Friesen was acquitted on the count involving Kotelmach. The jury’s deliberations were initially complicated by one juror who initially disagreed with the foreperson’s verdict, prompting a second round of discussion.

The court emphasized the interconnected nature of the church and school operations, highlighting the environment in which these disciplinary practices occurred. The trial underscored the need for accountability and transparency in institutions that serve minors, reflecting the biblical call to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice.

The conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that those in positions of authority are held responsible for their actions. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the oppressed.

Source: Read the original report