Letter from Director Regarding Earl Kitchener Incident

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As you may know, a disturbing incident occurred at Earl Kitchener Elementary School this week that involved an attempt to remove a child from the playground.

Understandably, students and parents are experiencing anxiety.

Below, please see an update that Hamilton Police encouraged us to share with schools in HWDSB:

The Hamilton Police continue to investigate the incident that took place at Earl Kitchener Public School yesterday afternoon when an unknown man removed a kindergarten student from the playground. Police remain in the area, canvassing residents for additional information. There are also a number of School Liaison Officer’s in attendance at the school. Police ask that if you have information and have yet to speak to police to please call Division One Staff Sgt.’s at 905-546-4725 or 4771.

If you see the suspect in the area please call 9-1-1. Citizens have been contacting us and we continue to follow up on all leads. Our focus right now is speaking to the individual responsible for taking the child. Hamilton Police wish to remind all students walking to and from school that they should be aware of their surroundings and circumstances.

If at all possible they should walk in pairs or with an adult. If they encounter anyone unknown to them, they should immediately contact a responsible adult, guardian, school staff member, their parent or the police, as soon as possible.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5’7”ft, 160 lbs, slight build, sculpted cheek bones, pointy nose, longish, wavy hair (chin length). At time of incident was wearing a grey t-shirt.

In addition, HWDSB’s social work team continues to support students and staff in difficulty; please contact your school office if this team can be of assistance. If your child has questions, please consider the points in the attached document, Tips for Supporting Children and Youth after Disturbing Events.

We are trying to share information directly with parents so students remain calm. Let’s all help our students by reinforcing the role of safety at school and elsewhere, and maintaining a child-friendly atmosphere of comfort and certainty.

Sincerely,

John Malloy
Director of Education