A Christian school in Saskatoon that has stirred up controversy may shut down by the end of June due to abuse allegations and ongoing criminal court cases. This information was disclosed in a letter obtained by CBC News.
A letter has been shared with senior staff members at Legacy Christian Academy, suggesting that the school may shut down on June 30th.
Marguerite Wiggins, a senior teacher and advisory consultant at the school, stated that due to the continued accusations against Christian Centre Academy, its previous reputation, and even against LCA currently, it has become a challenge to sustain the desired student enrolment levels needed to operate effectively.
We know that Westdale Christian School intends to reopen in the fall and they plan to rent our current space to do so. The goal is for our families to transfer to Westdale without having to deal with the current situation of allegations hanging over them.
The letter is directed towards a high-ranking staff member working in the Ministry of Education in the province.
The ministry was given a letter by CBC. A representative mentioned that they are aware of Westdale Christian School’s desire to move to the Legacy Christian Academy building.
“If this happens, Legacy Christian Academy’s conditions will continue to be in effect at Westdale Christian School,” stated Mitchell Blair in an email.
The Ministry of Education has not yet been given the letter you provided, and as of now, they have not been informed about the closure of Legacy Christian Academy.
Christine Gamache, who is the principal at Legacy Christian Academy, stated that as of her understanding, a letter was not sent to the Ministry of Education.
Legacy Christian Academy used to be called Christian Centre Academy and is currently involved in legal battles in both civil and criminal courts. It is located at 102 Pinehouse Drive.
A group of ex-students filed a lawsuit against Legacy Christian Academy and Mile Two Church after it came to light through a CBC News investigation that 18 former students had reported criminal incidents involving school staff members.
The reports detail claims of physical punishment, manipulation, harmful ceremonies, and isolation that students have said happened while they were attending the school. Many more people have also spoken up about their experiences since the lawsuit was submitted.
The claims made in the lawsuit have not yet been evaluated or proven in a court proceeding.
Four individuals who are associated with the educational institution are facing legal charges.
In October 2023, Aaron Benneweis admitted to sexually assaulting and exploiting a female student who was 13 years old when the abuse began. As a result, the ex-coach was given a sentence of less than two years, followed by three years of probation in February.
There are three individuals who are currently facing charges of assault with a weapon in court.
Caitlin Erickson, a participant in the class-action lawsuit and former student, expressed doubt that the situation would improve even if Legacy closed and Westdale took over the building.
The letter did not specify if the school would open again at Pinehouse with a different name.
“They are attempting to rebrand for the third time, which is disappointing. Despite everything that has been brought to light, there seems to be a lack of self-reflection and consideration that maybe they should reconsider their involvement in the education industry,” she commented.
Everyone in Saskatoon is aware of the ongoing events at the intersection of 102 Pinehouse Drive. The name on the building doesn’t matter because everyone remembers the history of that location.
