An open letter to parents regarding the recent arrest of a teacher has been sent by the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
In the letter, director of education Tamara Nugent said the board is working to prepare staff to respond to the needs of students in response to teacher Justin Lenssen facing multiple charges involving children.
“Given the serious nature of the charges this teacher will not be reporting for active duty at any school pending the outcome of the legal proceedings,” said Nugent.
Lenssen is facing charges of possession of child pornography, sexual exploitation, luring a child and making explicit material available. Lenssen will appear in court Jan. 25.
As of Wednesday, Lenssen was still listed as staff on the web site for St. James Catholic High School in Guelph.
Nugent said the board understands the situation will add an additional layer of concern for students and that social workers and youth workers will be available in the schools.
Parents and students who may have had any interactions of concern with Lenssen are being asked to contact the investigating officer, D/Cst. Joel Apps at (519) 824-1212 ext. 7162. Anonymous information can be left by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is of the highest priority. We will continue to provide support as needed throughout this time,” said Nugent in the letter’s closing. “We pray for all those impacted.”
