HWDSB Statement on Employee Charged with Sexual Offences
The HWDSB community is shocked and saddened to learn that the Hamilton Police Service has charged an employee and current principal at Ryerson Elementary School with one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference.
The HPS has issued a statement to the media, which can be found on their website www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca.
Damir (Dan) Ivankovic was first employed with HWDSB in 2003. He’s been a principal at Rosedale Elementary School until 2007, Viscount Montgomery Elementary School, and recently since 2014 at Ryerson Elementary School – a grades 6-8 middle school. He has been reassigned to home since January, 2019 when an allegation was first reported to HWDSB and to the police. HWDSB staff have co-operated with the police during the investigation and will continue to do so.
The safety and well-being of every student is of utmost importance. HWDSB staff know that it is important to all parents, guardians and caregivers to feel confident that children are well cared for and protected while they are at school. Important resources for parents to support their child during distressing events can be accessed at www.hwdsb.on.ca/wehelp.
Police are asking if there are additional victims to come forward. They also encourage anyone who might have more information to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Robert LeJeune at (905) 540-6375 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or submitting anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com. Police are also sharing a 24-hour support line for victims of sexual assault, a service of SACHA – Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton Area, (905) 525-4162.
Board support is available. Parents and members of the community with questions and concerns can contact 905-527-5092 or email [email protected].
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Media Contact:
Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
905.515.6227 | [email protected]
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.