A photograph featuring a former administrator of a Saskatoon private Christian school holding a wooden paddle, which was originally published in Maclean’s magazine three decades ago, has emerged as crucial evidence in the ongoing assault trial of a former principal at the institution.
Duff Arthur Friesen is facing five charges of assault with a weapon and has entered pleas of not guilty to all counts. The allegations against Friesen involve the use of a wooden paddle to discipline students during his tenure at Christian Centre Academy between 1997 and 2007.
The school, initially known as Christian Centre Academy, underwent name changes to Legacy Christian Academy and later Valour Academy. It maintains close ties to Mile Two Church, now known as Encounter Church.
During the trial, Lou Brunelle, the individual depicted in the 1997 magazine photo, appeared as the first defense witness. He testified that paddling was a sanctioned school policy with parental consent. Brunelle held positions at the school from 1989 to 2001, starting as a supervisor and progressing to an administrative role similar to that of a vice-principal.
He disclosed that the wooden paddle was just one disciplinary tool among several others such as demerits and detentions, utilized for addressing behaviors like theft, dishonesty, and academic dishonesty. Brunelle explained that after administering punishment, a prayer session involving the student and disciplinarian would follow.
In his testimony, Brunelle highlighted that none of the school staff during his tenure were certified teachers. However, he affirmed that the curriculum was approved, and students received Ministry of Education transcripts enabling them to pursue higher education opportunities.
The Crown prosecution presented five former students as witnesses, each recounting experiences of being struck with a wooden paddle by Friesen. One of the witnesses, Robyn Mandell, described the physical and emotional impact of the paddling, noting bruises that lasted for days and feelings of humiliation and fear.
Another witness, Coy Nolin, narrated an incident where Friesen allegedly paddled him in response to academic concerns, leading to Nolin being removed from the basketball team if he didn’t improve. Nolin detailed the paddling incident and the subsequent consequences.
The trial, presided over by Justice Daryl Labach, is scheduled to span two weeks to address the assault allegations against Friesen.
