The principal of Jack Hulland Elementary School has issued a another letter to school families notifying them that he recently became aware of allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a student by an employee working at the school.
Principal Jeff Hills said he became aware of the allegations at the kindergarten to Grade 7 school in Whitehorse's Porter Creek neighbourhood on April 4, according to the letter.
The letter was issued on the morning of April 8. A student’s parent shared the letter that they received that morning by email with the News.
The letter indicates the staff member no longer works at the school since they were immediately removed.
The employee hasn’t been identified to the News by their name or role in the school. It’s not clear what ages or grades the individual worked with.
The nature of the allegations isn’t specified in the letter.
The letter suggests more information is being gathered about the allegations, based on processes set out in the Safer Schools Action Plan.
That plan informed the decision to involve RCMP. Yukon RCMP communications confirmed police are investigating but didn't address the News' other questions.
“We are cooperating with the RCMP’s efforts, and you or your child may see, or may have seen, the RCMP at the school this week,” reads the letter.
The Yukon Department of Education has no indication that there are ongoing public, school community or school safety concerns, per the letter.
Hills sent a similar email on June 6, 2024, regarding allegations of “inappropriate behaviour towards students by an employee working at our school" at the time.
As noted in the latest letter, the department declined to release more information about the recently surfaced allegations, citing staff and student privacy.
“I would like to highlight the importance of not speculating or jumping to conclusions,” Hills wrote.
The letter acknowledges that students, parents and guardians may feel “emotions” after learning about the alleged inappropriate behaviour by a staff towards a student that may lead them to question the safety of the school and education system.
“This is understandable,” reads the letter.
“It’s important to remember that the processes and policies we’ve put in place to keep you children safe at school were followed and are working.”
The News has not received more information from the principal, the department or the minister.
The News also sought an update on the June 2024 allegations from the department.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
