Parent raises concerns after her eight-year-old was seriously injured in a Smiths Falls school stabbing on Nov. 12
SMITHS FALLS — A parent is demanding answers after her eight-year-old child was seriously injured in an incident involving another student at a Smiths Falls area elementary school on Nov. 12.
Kaleigh Villeneuve alleges her child was “stabbed multiple times” during the incident and has not yet returned to class due to the injuries, which required medical treatment and follow-up care.
The Ontario Provincial Police confirmed officers responded to the school and investigated but said no charges could be laid because of the age of the students involved.
“I can confirm that there was an incident at the school on Nov. 12, 2025, involving young children,” said Bill Dickson, media relations co-ordinator for OPP East Region. “Due to the age, charges cannot be laid. The OPP will work with the school and parents to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Dickson did not release details about the injuries or the nature of the object involved.
Villeneuve said she is waiting for more information about safety planning before allowing her child to return to class. She also requested a meeting with board officials to discuss the incident and what actions will be taken.
“I just want to understand what steps will be taken to keep students safe,” she said.
Communication and return-to-school plan
Villeneuve shared an email she received from Casey Nelson, superintendent of schools, dated Dec. 1. In the message, Nelson wrote that the school team was “planning to invite the other student involved back to school later this week,” and that Villeneuve had asked to be notified when that happened.
“At this time, I cannot confirm whether the return will be Thursday or Friday, but I can confirm that the student will be returning to their regular classroom,” Nelson wrote.
Villeneuve said the communication and the plan to return the student to the regular classroom have left her frustrated, as she had requested an alternative placement.
“The board is not handling this well at all,” she said. “I was told they were bringing the other student back on Thursday or Friday this week, even though I’ve escalated the issue above him.”
Board responds
In a separate statement, the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB), attributed to superintendent of schools Marsha McNair, said the board cannot discuss specific students or incidents.
“The UCDSB takes all incidents of violence very seriously and handles them on a case-by-case basis,” McNair wrote in an emailed shared with Hometown News by the communications team at the UCDSB.
She said the board follows a progressive discipline model under the Ontario Education Act, which includes investigating the issue, considering mitigating factors and determining next steps such as consequences or supports.
McNair said the board has seen “an increase of complex incidences” and that classroom discussions on respect, responsibility, safety and emotional regulation are ongoing.
Villeneuve questioned the board’s handling of the situation and the communication that followed.
“Clear consequences were not enforced and communication with families was delayed and limited,” she said. “Concerns have been raised about whether the existing code of conduct and disciplinary pathways are being applied consistently and effectively.”
She said other parents have expressed concerns to her about rising behavioural issues, increased aggression and limited intervention among younger students.
Villeneuve said she understood the other student would return to the regular classroom. She said this plan was communicated despite her earlier request for an alternative placement.
“School is supposed to be the one place where you trust your child is safe,” she said. “If a child can be stabbed multiple times during class hours, something is deeply wrong with the system.”
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