Former Saskatoon private school admin, pictured with paddle in 1997, testifies at former principal's trial | CBC News
1997 magazine photo now a court exhibit at Duff Friesen's assault trial
A photo of a former administrator for a Saskatoon private Christian school holding a wooden paddle, published in Maclean's magazine 30 years ago, is now evidence in the assault trial of a former principal at the school.
Friesen is accused of hitting students with a wooden paddle. The charges stem from his time at Christian Centre Academy from 1997 to 2007.
Lou Brunelle, the man in the magazine photo from 1997, was the first defence witness at the trial. He testified Monday that paddling was school policy and parents signed off.
He said the paddle was one of multiple methods, alongside things like demerits and detentions, that the school used to enforce discipline for things like stealing, lying or cheating.
Former student tells jury principal struck him at private Christian School in Saskatoon
Brunelle also testified that none of the staff at the school at the time were licensed to work as teachers. He also said some of the teachers had university degrees. He added that the curriculum was approved and that students received Ministry of Education transcripts that allowed them to go on to university.
The Crown closed its case Friday after calling five former students, each of whom testified about being struck with a wooden paddle.
Trial begins for former principal of Sask. private Christian school facing assault charges
Coy Nolin, who testified on Wednesday, told the jury he was called to Friesen's office during a school day after Friesen sent a letter to his mother about his schoolwork, and was told he would be taken off the basketball team if he didn't catch up.
This story has been clarified to include testimony from Lou Brunelle indicating that none of the school's staff at the time were licensed as teachers, but some had university degrees.Sep 17, 2026 5:36 PM EDT
Aishwarya Dudha is a reporter for CBC Saskatchewan based in Saskatoon. She specializes in immigration, justice and cultural issues and elevating voices of vulnerable people. She has previously worked for CBC News Network and Global News. You can email her at aishwarya.dudha@cbc.ca
Dive deeper
- 1997 magazine photo now a court exhibit at Duff Friesen's assault trial
- A photo of a former administrator for a Saskatoon private Christian school holding a wooden paddle, published in Maclean's magazine 30 years ago, is now evidence in the assault trial of a former principal at the school.
- Friesen is accused of hitting students with a wooden paddle. The charges stem from his time at Christian Centre Academy from 1997 to 2007.
- Lou Brunelle, the man in the magazine photo from 1997, was the first defence witness at the trial. He testified Monday that paddling was school policy and parents signed off.
- He said the paddle was one of multiple methods, alongside things like demerits and detentions, that the school used to enforce discipline for things like stealing, lying or cheating.