Two former teachers from a private Christian school in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will face professional misconduct charges after their attempt to claim immunity was rejected by the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB).

Immunity Claim Dismissed

Dawn Beaudry and Louis Brunelle argued they were immune from charges because the SPTRB did not exist at the time the alleged misconduct occurred. The SPTRB disciplinary committee dismissed this argument, allowing the professional misconduct charges to move forward.

Allegations Against Dawn Beaudry

The allegations against Beaudry span from 1989 to 2013 and include failing to provide adequate instruction. More seriously, she is accused of conspiring from 2008 onwards to conceal criminal activities, specifically sexual assault, potentially placing students at risk.

Church Involvement in Misrepresentation

Evidence suggests Beaudry and her daughter were encouraged by their church pastor to misrepresent the age at which sexual assault by a former athletic director, Aaron Benneweis, began. Benneweis has already pleaded guilty to sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old student.

Allegations Against Louis Brunelle

Brunelle, who served as an administrator, faces allegations from 1989 to 2001, including participation in arbitrary and excessive physical punishment of students. This includes accusations of repeatedly paddling a female student, ordering male students to disrobe, and facilitating the isolation of a student at a remote work camp.

Brunelle's Denial

Brunelle, through his lawyer Philip Fourie, vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

School History and Ongoing Scrutiny

The school, which has undergone multiple name changes – from Christian Centre Academy to Legacy Christian Academy and now Valour Academy – is closely linked to Encounter Church (formerly Mile Two Church). The school has faced intense scrutiny following allegations of abuse from former students, including reports of exorcisms and violent discipline.

Related Lawsuit and Investigation

A related lawsuit from last year was paused due to concerns about late disclosure of settlement agreements and is currently under appeal. The SPTRB initiated its investigation in 2022 at the request of an education ministry official. The board typically does not disclose ongoing investigations until a hearing is scheduled or a resolution is reached, suggesting other teachers may also be under scrutiny.

Brunelle's Employment History

Brunelle retired in June 2022, having previously resigned from Christian Centre Academy in 2001 and later served as principal of Legacy Christian Academy from 2017 to 2022.