A picture featuring a past administrator of a Saskatoon private Christian school holding a wooden paddle, which was published in Maclean’s magazine three decades ago, has emerged as key evidence in the trial of a former principal from the same school. Duff Arthur Friesen is facing allegations of five counts of assault with a weapon, to which he has entered a plea of not guilty.
The accusations against Friesen revolve around allegations of him using a wooden paddle to discipline students during his tenure at Christian Centre Academy from 1997 to 2007. The institution underwent name changes to Legacy Christian Academy and later Valour Academy, maintaining close ties with Mile Two Church, now known as Encounter Church.
During the trial, Lou Brunelle, the individual pictured in the magazine from 1997, testified as the first defense witness. Brunelle stated that paddling was a sanctioned school policy, with parental consent obtained. He served at the school from 1989 to 2001, initially as a supervisor and later as an administrative assistant, overseeing teachers and reporting to the director in a role akin to a vice-principal.
According to Brunelle, besides paddling, the school employed various disciplinary measures such as demerits and detentions to address transgressions like theft, dishonesty, or academic cheating. He mentioned that in warranted cases, three swats were administered, followed by a joint prayer session between the student and disciplinarian.
Brunelle also revealed that none of the staff members during his tenure were certified educators, although the curriculum was approved, and students received Ministry of Education transcripts enabling their progression to university.
In the Crown’s case, five former students testified about being struck with a wooden paddle by Friesen. Robyn Mandell recounted an incident where she was spanked severely, resulting in bruises lasting for days, describing the experience as deeply humiliating and terrifying.
Coy Nolin, another witness, shared his encounter of being summoned to Friesen’s office and subsequently paddled for academic reasons. Nolin detailed how he received three strikes and was then sent back to class. The trial, overseen by Justice Daryl Labach, is scheduled for a two-week duration.