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Former Saskatoon Christian School Principal Convicted on Assault Charge After Student Testimonies
By Drooid · · How we work
Trial Overview
The Crown has completed presenting witnesses in the jury trial of Duff Arthur Friesen, the former principal of the school formerly known as Christian Centre Academy (later Legacy Christian Academy, now Valour Academy) in Saskatoon. Friesen faced five counts of assault relating to disciplinary paddling of students between 1997 and 2007.
Testimonies from Former Students
Five former pupils took the stand, describing both physical pain and lasting psychological effects. One 11-year-old recalled the repeated “smack, pull back” pattern of the paddling, noting that the pain lingered for the remainder of the day and continued to affect them afterward. Several witnesses said they were summoned to Friesen’s office, instructed to bend over with their hands on a chair, and then struck three times with a wooden paddle. One student reported wearing period pads on days they anticipated being paddled to lessen the discomfort.
Details of the Alleged Punishments
Two former students testified that the school sold paddles to parents and that Friesen offered to teach parents how to administer paddles themselves. The paddles were described as roughly 12 inches long, six inches wide, and varying in thickness—from the thinnest to the thickest observed. One victim said the frequency of the strikes made them feel as though Friesen “loved it.”
Verdict and Sentencing
After deliberation, the jury found Friesen guilty on one count of assault with a weapon and acquitted him on three other counts. He received a six-month conditional sentence.
Context and Implications
The case highlights ongoing concerns about corporal punishment in private religious schools in Canada. While the conviction addresses only a single count, the testimonies underscore the broader mental and physical impact such disciplinary practices can have on children. The outcome may influence how similar schools manage discipline policies and could prompt further scrutiny of corporal punishment practices nationwide.