March 8, 2013

Dear Parents/Guardians:

This letter is to inform you that on Thursday, March 7, Mr. Kearsley Peters, a teacher at our

school, was arrested and charged with assault, sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual

exploitation. The charges stem from alleged incidents involving students. School staff are co-

operating with police in its investigation.

Upon learning of the allegations, staff acted immediately to send the employee home and call

appropriate contacts, both at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and outside the TDSB.

Pending outcome of this matter, a supply teacher has been retained while Mr. Peters remains on

suspension.

While it is important to remember that laying criminal charges does not constitute guilt, and that a

person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, we also cannot and do not take these

allegations lightly. As you know, the safety of our students is a top priority and we are committed

to enforcing TDSB policies about the safety and well-being of students.

We know that this situation may be upsetting for some of our students and will ensure that supports

are in place for those students. TDSB staff is available to our school to help students with any

questions or concerns they might have.

Our practice in a situation like this is to share as much information as we can with you. Please do

keep in mind that, because this is a police matter, there is much information that we cannot share

or do not know. Be assured that we will continue to provide you with any additional information

that we are permitted to share in the future.

We have arranged a meeting for parents on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:00 pm in the gymnasium,

so that we can review procedures and respond as best we can to any questions you might have.

Thank you in advance for your support and understanding. Please feel free to contact the school or

the Superintendent of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins at 416-396-9178, if you have any

questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Rajaindra Singh, Colleen Russell-Rawlins,

Principal Superintendent of Education, East Region 19

White Haven Public School 105 Invergordon Avenue Tel: (416) 396-6645 Fax: (416) 396-5879

Rajaindra Singh, Principal Karen Sanchez-Kandankery, Vice-Principal