St. Michael's College School to undergo comprehensive review of student culture by independent body

TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - St. Michael's College School is launching a rigorous independent examination of the underlying attitudes and behaviours inconsistent with its culture and values, and their impact across the entire school community.

"Recent incidents at our school are offensive to everything we strive to teach the young men of St. Michael's," says Greg Reeves, Principal, St. Michael's College School. "The victims of these horrendous acts are being supported and cared for.

Through this review, our goal is to examine these unacceptable behaviours at St. Michael's, now and in the past, and take definitive steps to eliminate them," continued Principal Reeves. "We need to make the invisible visible. We take responsibility for keeping our students safe."

Led by an independent third party committee, the 'SMCS Respect and Culture Review' will examine the traditions, rituals, and social practices of students at every grade level and in all areas of school life. This review will listen and collect information from students, parents, alumni and current and former faculty and staff. It will encompass the current school year, recent years and a historical review. 

Identification of independent, qualified individuals has commenced and the committee is expected to be established by the first week of December.  The goal is for the committee to deliver a preliminary report of findings by the Spring of next year, with a final report completed by Summer 2019. The school is committed to transparency. Recommendations of the 'SMCS Respect and Culture Review' will begin implementation in the 2019-2020 academic year.

"We have a responsibility to members of the St. Michael's College School community – past, present, and future – to do our utmost to lead the conversation around this topic and turn these terrible acts into tangible action and positive change," added Reeves.

"None of our community should ever suffer the injustices perpetrated last week.  We must return our culture to one founded upon absolute trust and mutual respect, a culture that graduates young men who change the world for the better, together."

About St. Michael's College School

Since 1852, St. Michael's College School has been educating and forming young men in goodness, discipline, and knowledge for lives of leadership and service. We are Canada's only Catholic, Basilian, faith-based independent school, educating young men from Grades 7 to 12 in a university-preparatory programme, and forming them with a foundation for life.

SOURCE St. Michael's College School

Media Contacts: Lianne Castelino, Email: [email protected], Phone: [phone]; Michael De Pellegrin, Email: [email protected], Phone: [phone]