Paddling Policy in School Trial | Toronto News

A 1997 photo of a school administrator holding a paddle is now central to a courtroom drama — as Lou Brunelle, former head of Christian Centre Academy, testifies that corporal punishment was officially sanctioned and approved by parents. He describes paddling as one of several disciplinary tools for offenses like lying or stealing, often followed by prayer. Despite unlicensed staff, the curriculum was accredited, and students went on to university. This testimony bolsters the defense in the assault trial of Duff Friesen, the school’s former principal, facing five weapon-assault charges from his tenure between 1997 and 2007. Former students described brutal, humiliating paddlings — some leaving bruises for days — underscoring the emotional toll. With the trial set to last two weeks, Brunelle’s account aims to frame the discipline as institutional policy, not isolated abuse. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/duff-friesen-trial-9.7343557 More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a7260e6df2253ad1 Report issues to [email protected].