MONTAGUE — Montague Public School and the Upper Canada District School Board have released additional information following community concern and online speculation about a November Montague Public School incident involving two students.
Hometown News did not report that a knife was involved, and neither the Ontario Provincial Police nor the school board confirmed that detail at any time. References to a knife originated on social media, not through official sources.
In a written statement, April Scott-Clarke, manager of communications with the UCDSB, said the board is restricted in what it can share because of student privacy, but moved to address assumptions circulating online.
“Since a lot of information has been made public, we are able to clarify some assumptions that have been made online,” she wrote.
Scott-Clarke confirmed the incident involved “two young children and a plastic spoon. There was no knife involved. At no time was there a broad threat to student or staff safety.”
The child’s mother, Kayleigh Villeneuve, said her eight-year-old son suffered significant injuries and has not returned to school since the incident.
Scott-Clarke said staff “followed all established procedures” and that appropriate actions were taken.
“As this is a matter involving students, we are not able to share many or overly specific details related to the supports or care plans for those involved,” she stated.
A letter sent to families by Montague Public School Principal Andrew Thorp echoed the same clarification. Thorp acknowledged concern stemming from limited information shared initially but said communication was constrained by privacy law.
“We understand that the limited details the school has shared around this matter have created concerns for some families. However, that was done to protect the privacy and dignity of those involved,” Thorp wrote.
Thorp also noted the school does not issue broad updates on every conflict between students.
“We maintain this practice because we are committed to our privacy obligations, to being respectful to those involved, and to maintaining a positive sense of belonging at our school.”
Scott-Clarke said no further details regarding supports or disciplinary measures will be released due to student confidentiality.
The Upper Canada District School Board has not commented beyond the written clarification.
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