Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

From: Pierre Barns pierrebarns@gmail.com
Sent: May 5, 2025 8:00 AM
To: sean.nosek@abbyschools.ca; ray.velestuk@abbyschools.ca
Cc: ‘Shirley Wilson’ shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca; ‘Preet Rai’ preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca; ‘Korky Neufeld’ korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca; ‘Stan Petersen’ stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca; ‘Mike Rauch’ mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca; ‘Jared White’ jared.white@abbyschools.ca; ‘Beth Penney’ Beth.Penney@abbyschools.ca; harman.bhangu@conservativebc.ca; heather.maahs@conservativebc.ca; john.rustad@conservativebc.ca; bruce.banman@conservativebc.ca; korky.neufeld@conservativebc.ca; mark.carney@parl.gc.ca; sukhman.gill@parl.gc.ca; ‘Vis, Brad – M.P.’ Brad.Vis@parl.gc.ca; bruce.cunnings@abbyschools.ca; ‘Nathan Ngieng’ Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca
Subject: Fw: Board Decision Regarding Appeal Hearing Matter

Dear Mr. Velestuk and Mr. Nosek,

Thank you for your message, informing me that the Board of Education has declined to hear my appeal regarding the Reconsideration Committee’s decision to retain the book Eleanor and Park in the school library.

Let me state clearly: I find this decision both disappointing and deeply troubling. It reveals that the Board is more willing to hide behind bureaucratic technicalities than to address legitimate parental concerns about the exposure of minors to sexually explicit and vulgar content in a school environment.

This is not a theoretical debate over policy language. This is about explicit material currently made available to children. The book Eleanor and Park contains disturbing and profane language—language that, if spoken by a student or staff member in a classroom or posted online, would likely result in immediate disciplinary action. Yet the same content is being defended under the guise of “authentic adolescent dialogue.” That defense is not only absurd—it is dangerous.

To be clear, the book includes content such as:

“I asked him if his dick was bigger than his truck.”

“I know you’re a slut you smell like cum.”

“What he was shouting at her. FAT and FUCK and BITCH.”

“Jeez, now his mom was calling him a pussy.”

“Fucking woman, Fucking kids, Fuck you, you little bitch—who the fuck touched the stereo?”

“Your serve, bitch.”

“She’s fucking hot is what she is.”

“Jesus-fuck.”

“FUCK ALL OF YOU.”

There is well-established precedent in Canada for disciplinary action when students are exposed to sexually inappropriate content by educators. For instance:

In the case of Chung Yuk Ma, the Ontario College of Teachers revoked his license for exposing students to sexual topics and content.

Thomas James Lee was disciplined for introducing sexualized material and breaching professional boundaries.

Craig DeRaad faced sanctions for sharing explicit content with students under the guise of educational relevance.

Your district should know this better than most. In recent years, multiple individuals affiliated with the Abbotsford School District have been criminally charged or investigated for sexual offenses against minors. For example:
Henry Kang, a 50-year-old teacher who had taught at both Robert Bateman and W.J. Mouat secondary schools in Abbotsford, was charged with two counts each of sexual assault and sexual exploitation involving a student. This was yet another case where a staff member in your district was criminally accused of violating the trust placed in educators to protect students. https://www.abbynews.com/news/lifetime-teaching-ban-given-to-educator-who-sexually-assaulted-a-youth-in-abbotsford-1822023

Michael Haire, a former vice-principal at W.A. Fraser Middle School in Abbotsford, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for possessing and distributing child pornography. The investigation revealed that Haire had amassed a substantial collection of child sexual abuse material, including over 1,400 images and 300 videos. Following his conviction, he received a lifetime ban from teaching in British Columbia. https://www.abbynews.com/news/20-months-in-prison-for-abbotsford-vice-principal-convicted-of-child-porn-offences-1824901

With this history, the district should be exceptionally vigilant when it comes to material that could normalize or trivialize sexually explicit behavior. Instead, the Board has dismissed these concerns with the vague claim:

“The Board of Education… determined they will not hear the appeal as it does not comply with the requirements for an appeal established under the Board’s Appeal Bylaw 18 (Policy 14) or Section 11 of the School Act.”

That explanation is both insufficient and unacceptable.

I now formally request that the Board identify exactly which clause, subsection, or procedural requirement my appeal failed to satisfy under Bylaw 18 or Section 11 of the School Act. I followed the AP 213 process as required, submitted a well-supported and detailed concern, and have engaged in good faith at every stage. A generic reference to “non-compliance” is inadequate and evasive.

Let me be absolutely clear: I have four children currently enrolled in the Abbotsford School District. Their safety and well-being transcend district policies—and certainly rise above whatever ideological lens now appears to shape decisions within this board. Safeguarding children from inappropriate content is not a policy matter. It is a moral obligation and a public duty.

The communication I submitted clearly outlined how Eleanor and Park violates the spirit—if not the letter—of AP 213. The refusal to even allow the Board to hear this matter is not an act of neutrality. It is cowardice at best, and complicity at worst.

Please consider this my formal request for a detailed explanation and my formal notice that this issue will not be quietly dropped. I intend to escalate this matter to the Ministry of Education, elected officials, and the media. I will also ensure that every step of this communication is made available to other parents and members of the public who care about the safety of children in our schools.

Sincerely,
Pierre Barns

From: Ray Velestuk <Ray.Velestuk@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: April 17, 2025 11:40 AM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com
Subject: Board Decision Regarding Appeal Hearing Matter

Policy 14 – Appeals Process (Bylaw 18) _ Abbotsford School District Download

Dear Mr. Barns

The Board of Education, at its In-Camera Board meeting on April 15, 2025, considered your request for appeal of the Reconsideration Committee’s decision regarding the resource Eleanor and Park. The Board has determined that they will not hear the appeal as it does not comply with the requirements for an appeal established under the Board’s Appeal Bylaw 18 (Policy 14) or Section 11 of the School Act.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Superintendent’s Office.

Ray Velestuk /CFO/Secretary-Treasurer
ray.velestuk@abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District
Office: 604.859.4891 ext 1202 / F: 604.859.5898
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

From: Ray Velestuk <Ray.Velestuk@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: April 7, 2025 10:40 PM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com
Cc: Beth Penney <Beth.Penney@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] RE: Response to Challenge Regarding Eleanor and Park 2025

Dear Mr. Barns

Your request for an appeal of the decision of the Reconsideration Committee regarding the book Eleanor and Park has been received.

Our appeal process requires that we determine whether the appeal request complies with the requirements for an appeal as established in the Board’s Appeal Process – Board Policy 14 or the School Act.

In this case, the appeal request is being referred to the Board of Education for a preliminary determination on whether to hear the appeal. The Board of Education will consider this preliminary matter (whether or not to hear the appeal) at their in-camera meeting scheduled on April 15, 2025.

You will be notified of the Board’s decision following the meeting.

In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact my office.

Ray Velestuk /CFO/Secretary-Treasurer
ray.velestuk@abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District
Office: 604.859.4891 ext 1202 / F: 604.859.5898
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 3:29 AM
To: Ray Velestuk <Ray.Velestuk@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Beth Penney <Beth.Penney@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Response to Challenge Regarding Eleanor and Park 2025

Dear Mr. Velestuk,

Yes, I am formally appealing the decision of the Reconsideration Committee regarding the book Eleanor and Park under Board Policy 14.

Please proceed with the next steps as outlined in the policy and advise me of any actions or documentation required on my part.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Ray Velestuk <Ray.Velestuk@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: April 3, 2025 6:51 PM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com
Cc: Beth Penney <Beth.Penney@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: Fw: [EXTERNAL] RE: Response to Challenge Regarding Eleanor and Park 2025

Dear Mr. Barns

AP213 provides that an appeal may be filed as per Board Policy 14 – Appeals Process.

I just want to confirm that, as outlined in Policy 14, you are formally appealing the decision of the Reconsideration Committee regarding this resource.

Please advise and I will proceed with the next steps.

Ray Velestuk /CFO/Secretary-Treasurer
ray.velestuk@abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District
Office: 604.859.4891 ext 1202 / F: 604.859.5898
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

From: Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 8:03 PM
To: Sean Nosek <Sean.Nosek@abbyschools.ca>; Ray Velestuk <Ray.Velestuk@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: Fw: [EXTERNAL] RE: Response to Challenge Regarding Eleanor and Park 2025

fyi

Shirley Wilson/ Board Chair, Abbotsford Board of Education
shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca / C: 778-241-5576

This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

Éy swáyel. We acknowledge that the Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Semá:th First Nation and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: April 2, 2025 4:49 PM
To: Sean Nosek <Sean.Nosek@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: harman.bhangu@conservativebc.ca <harman.bhangu@conservativebc.ca>; heather.maahs@conservativebc.ca <heather.maahs@conservativebc.ca>; john.rustad@conservativebc.ca <john.rustad@conservativebc.ca>; bruce.banman@conservativebc.ca <bruce.banman@conservativebc.ca>; korky.neufeld@conservativebc.ca <korky.neufeld@conservativebc.ca>; Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>; Preet Rai <Preet.Rai@abbyschools.ca>; Rupi Rajwan <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; Korky Neufeld <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Petersen <Stan.Petersen@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch <Mike.Rauch@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>; Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: Response to Challenge Regarding Eleanor and Park 2025

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Sean,

Thank you for sending the Reconsideration Committee’s response regarding Eleanor and Park.

Let me be clear—I strongly disagree with the decision to keep this book in a school library. The idea that sexually explicit and vulgar content like what I’ve already highlighted is considered acceptable for students is disturbing. Claiming that this language “enhances authenticity” doesn’t justify exposing minors to this kind of material. Adding a content warning does not solve the problem—it simply acknowledges it and allows it to continue.

My daughter currently attends this school. The fact that she could have accessed this book—without context or warning—and been exposed to graphic, sexually explicit, and vulgar material is absolutely unacceptable. I do not permit this type of content in my home, and I expect the same standard from a school district entrusted with her education and well-being.

To be absolutely clear, here are some direct excerpts from the book that your committee has deemed acceptable for a school setting:

“I asked him if his dick was bigger than his truck.”
“I know you’re a slut you smell like cum.”
“what he was shouting at her. FAT and FUCK and BITCH.”
“Jeez, now his mom was calling him a pussy.”
“FAT and FUCK and BITCH. And I WARNED YOU SABRINA.”
“Fucking woman, Fucking kids, Fuck you, you little bitch—who the fuck touched the stereo?”
“Your serve, bitch.”
“She’s fucking hot is what she is.”
“Jesus-fuck.”
“FUCK ALL OF YOU.”

There is no educational justification for language like this in a high school library. This isn’t about literary merit or authentic dialogue—it’s about basic standards of what is appropriate for students. This material wouldn’t be allowed in a workplace or professional environment, yet it’s somehow fine for teenagers? That’s unacceptable.

This decision also fails to address the broader issue: how did this book get selected in the first place? It points to a serious failure in the district’s review and selection process. I want to know exactly what is being done to prevent this from happening again. I want to know what concrete steps are being taken to prevent this from happening again—not vague policy references or rubber-stamped justifications.

I would like to formally appeal this decision under the guidelines outlined in AP 213. Furthermore, I still request a meeting with you to discuss this issue, along with the broader concerns regarding material selection policies within the district.

For transparency, I’ve included all prior communication with Nathan in this thread. The questions I asked him—which remain unanswered—I now expect to be addressed by your office.

Please confirm the next steps in the appeal process and when I can expect a response regarding my meeting request.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Sean Nosek <Sean.Nosek@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: March 14, 2025 2:58 PM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com
Cc: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: FW: Response to Challenge Regarding Eleanor and Park 2025

2025 Mar 13 Response to Challenge Regarding Eleanor and Park Download

Pierre,

Please see attached regarding the library resource review you requested.

Sean Nosek / Superintendent of Schools
sean.nosek@abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District
T: 604.859.4891 / F: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN

Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Semá:th First Nation and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.

This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

From: Pierre Barns pierrebarns@gmail.com
Sent: January 23, 2025 2:09 PM
To: Nathan Ngieng Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca
Cc: Corissa St. George Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca; Tracy Krys Tracy.Krys@abbyschools.ca; Shirley Wilson shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca; Preet Rai preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; Rupi Rajwan Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca; Korky Neufeld korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca; Stan Petersen stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca; Mike Rauch mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca; Jared White jared.white@abbyschools.ca; Jaimie Webster Jaimie.Webster@abbyschools.ca; Jennifer Koehler Jennifer.Koehler@abbyschools.ca; Jasbir Singh jasbir.singh@abbyschools.ca; Robert Sloboda rob.sloboda@abbyschools.ca; Stan Wiebe Stan.Wiebe@abbyschools.ca; bruce.banman@conservativebc.ca; Karen Bennett karen.bennett@abbyschools.ca; Bruce.Banman.MLA@leg.bc.ca; john.rustad@conservativebc.ca; harman.bhangu@conservativebc.ca; korky.neufeld@conservativebc.ca; elenore.sturko@conservativebc.ca; heather.maahs@conservativebc.ca
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Nathan,

Thank you for your reply and for confirming that a reconsideration committee has been formed to review the identified resource as per AP 213. I understand that the committee will require time to evaluate the resource and deliberate on whether it meets the district’s criteria for selection or deselection. I appreciate your clarification regarding the expected timeline and look forward to receiving the committee’s decision in early March.

However, I remain concerned about the broader issues surrounding the district’s policies and procedures for evaluating and approving library materials. While I appreciate the focus on the specific resource in question, I believe this matter highlights systemic issues that extend beyond a single book. Proactive measures are necessary to ensure that inappropriate materials are not introduced into school libraries in the first place.

Regarding my request for a meeting with the Superintendent, I understand that I need to communicate directly with the Superintendent’s office. Since Corissa St. George was previously CC’d on our emails, I assume my meeting request has already been noted, as you previously mentioned: “With respect to a meeting with our Superintendent of Schools, his Executive Assistant Corissa St. George has been cc’ed in the email, so his office has received your communication and request.” Additionally, as I understand you are also part of the Superintendent’s office, I kindly ask for confirmation on whether my request has been acknowledged and if I should expect further communication from the Superintendent’s office. If further action is required on my part, I would appreciate precise details regarding what steps need to be taken.

Thank you again for your response and for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if any additional information or clarification is needed from me.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2025 1:16 PM
To: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Cc: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>; Tracy Krys <Tracy.Krys@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Good morning Mr. Barns,

Following up on your email from January 20th, as outlined in our AP 213, a reconsideration committee has been formed and will review the resource you have identified as having concerns with, using AP 213-1 and AP 231-2 (District Criteria for the Selection and Deselection of Learning Resources).

Please refer to AP 213 regarding the scope of the review, which will be focused on the idenified resource in your challenge form.

Please expect to hear back on the decision from the committee in early March, as the committee will need time to review the resource and then meet to discuss whether it meets the criterial for selection/deselection.

With respect to meeting with the Superintendent, you will need to communicate directly with the Superintendent’s office.

Regards,

Nathan

Dr. Nathan Ngieng / Deputy Superintendent of Schools
nathan.ngieng@abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District
T: 604.859.4891 / F: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Stó:lo people, the Semá:th First Nation, and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.

This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2025 7:43 PM
To: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>; Tracy Krys <Tracy.Krys@abbyschools.ca>; Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>; Preet Rai <Preet.Rai@abbyschools.ca>; Rupi Rajwan <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; Korky Neufeld <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Petersen <Stan.Petersen@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch <Mike.Rauch@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>; Jaimie Webster <Jaimie.Webster@abbyschools.ca>; Jennifer Koehler <Jennifer.Koehler@abbyschools.ca>; Jasbir Singh <Jasbir.Singh@abbyschools.ca>; Robert Sloboda <Rob.Sloboda@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Wiebe <Stan.Wiebe@abbyschools.ca>; bruce.banman@conservativebc.ca <bruce.banman@conservativebc.ca>; Karen Bennett <Karen.Bennett@abbyschools.ca>; Bruce.Banman.MLA@leg.bc.ca <Bruce.Banman.MLA@leg.bc.ca>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Nathan,

I am following up on my previous communication regarding the AP 213-3 Challenge Form I submitted for review, as well as my request for a meeting with the Superintendent to discuss broader concerns about the district’s policies and procedures.

While I appreciate your acknowledgment of my submission and the outlined process for review, I have not yet received any updates regarding the timeline for the reconsideration committee’s review or my meeting request. Given the seriousness of this matter and its implications for student safety and the appropriateness of educational materials, I kindly request a prompt update.

As I mentioned in my earlier email, addressing these issues comprehensively is critical to ensuring that similar concerns are prevented in the future. I trust that the reconsideration process will not only evaluate the specific resource in question but also inform potential improvements to the district’s oversight and policy enforcement.

Please let me know when I can expect further updates regarding the review and my meeting request. I remain available to provide additional information or clarification as needed.

I have CC’d Bruce Banman, MLA for Abbotsford South, on this email to keep him informed of the situation, as I believe this issue requires attention and collaboration at both the district and provincial levels.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 30, 2024 4:56 PM
To: ‘Nathan Ngieng’ <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: ‘Corissa St. George’ <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Tracy Krys’ <Tracy.Krys@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Shirley Wilson’ <shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Preet Rai’ <preet.rai@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Rupi Rajwan’ <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Korky Neufeld’ <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Stan Petersen’ <stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Mike Rauch’ <mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Jared White’ <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Jaimie Webster’ <Jaimie.Webster@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Jennifer Koehler’ <Jennifer.Koehler@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Jasbir Singh’ <jasbir.singh@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Robert Sloboda’ <rob.sloboda@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Stan Wiebe’ <Stan.Wiebe@abbyschools.ca>; ‘Karen Bennett’ <karen.bennett@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Nathan,

Thank you for your prompt reply and for confirming that my completed AP 213-3 Challenge Form will be forwarded to the Curriculum Department for review by the reconsideration committee. I appreciate your acknowledgment of the process outlined in AP 213 and your clarification regarding the potential next steps, including the appeal process.

While I understand that the reconsideration committee will apply the criteria set out in AP 213-2, I remain concerned about the broader systemic issues I highlighted in my previous email. These include the district’s current policies and procedures for evaluating library materials and the need for proactive measures to prevent similar instances in the future. I trust that the committee’s review will not only address this specific resource but also consider the need for improvements in the district’s overall approach to material selection and oversight.

Additionally, while I appreciate that my request for a meeting with the Superintendent has been forwarded to his office, I would like to emphasize the urgency of this matter and the importance of direct dialogue to address these concerns comprehensively. I hope to hear from Ms. St. George or the Superintendent’s office soon to arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient time.

Please also keep me informed about the timeline for the committee’s review and any updates regarding my submission. If additional information or clarification is needed on my part, do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing from both the reconsideration committee and the Superintendent’s office soon.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: December 18, 2024 2:14 PM
To: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Cc: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>; Tracy Krys <Tracy.Krys@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Mr. Barns,

Thank you for your email with the attached and completed AP 213-3 form.

This will be forwarded to our Curriculum Department to be reviewed by a reconsideration committee, as outlined in AP 213.

Our Director of Instruction will be in communication regarding the results of the review, once the committee has been convened and has had an opportunity to review your submission, applying the criteria set out in AP 213-2. If you are not in agreement with the decision, you can apply to appeal the decision, which I shared in a previous email.

With respect to a meeting with our Superintendent of Schools, his Executive Assistant Corissa St. George has been cc’ed in the email, so his office has received your communication and request.

Regards,

Nathan

Dr. Nathan Ngieng / Deputy Superintendent of Schools
nathan.ngieng@abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District
T: 604.859.4891 / F: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 7:31 AM
To: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>; Preet Rai <Preet.Rai@abbyschools.ca>; Rupi Rajwan <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; Korky Neufeld <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Petersen <Stan.Petersen@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch <Mike.Rauch@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>; Jaimie Webster <Jaimie.Webster@abbyschools.ca>; Jennifer Koehler <Jennifer.Koehler@abbyschools.ca>; Jasbir Singh <Jasbir.Singh@abbyschools.ca>; Robert Sloboda <Rob.Sloboda@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Wiebe <Stan.Wiebe@abbyschools.ca>; Karen Bennett <Karen.Bennett@abbyschools.ca>; Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Nathan,

I have completed the AP 213-3 Challenge Form regarding the book Eleanor and Park and am submitting it for review as per the process outlined in AP 213. To provide further clarity, I have also included screenshots of the book’s explicit content within the submission.

While I appreciate the opportunity to formally challenge this resource, I must note that many of my other concerns remain unaddressed. These include broader questions regarding the district’s evaluation process for library materials, the implementation of AP 213-2 criteria, and the steps being taken to prevent similar oversights in the future.

Regarding Question 4 of the AP 213-3 form, “What effect do you believe this resource will have on students in our community,” I strongly suggest that the district consult a sexual abuse trauma specialist to provide a professional perspective. A good reference for such expertise would be the Canadian Center for Child Protection. Their input could help ensure that the district fully understands the potential harm these materials could have on students and inform future decision-making processes.

Additionally, I request that Sean Nosek, the District Superintendent, be CC’d on these communications. I would also like to request a meeting with Sean Nosek to discuss these ongoing issues within the district. As a parent of four children in this district, I am deeply invested in their safety and in fostering an appropriate learning environment. I would like to avoid another four years of back-and-forth communication with the district over issues that can and should be resolved through properly written and enforced policies and procedures.

As this matter pertains to student safety and the appropriateness of educational materials, I trust that the reconsideration committee will evaluate this concern thoroughly and transparently. I also request to be kept informed about the timeline and progress of the review, as well as the committee’s final decision.

Please confirm receipt of this submission, and let me know if any additional information is required.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2024 4:22 PM
To: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Thank you for your response Mr. Barns. I apologize for the misspelling of your last name.

I have noted your requests and will take them under advisement.

No further action is required on your part. Once the completed form has been received, our Curriculum department will follow up as outlined in our Administrative Procedures.

Regards,

Nathan

Dr. Nathan Ngieng / Deputy Superintendent of Schools
nathan.ngieng@abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District
T: 604.859.4891 / F: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2024 8:37 AM
To: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>; Preet Rai <Preet.Rai@abbyschools.ca>; Rupi Rajwan <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; Korky Neufeld <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Petersen <Stan.Petersen@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch <Mike.Rauch@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>; Jaimie Webster <Jaimie.Webster@abbyschools.ca>; Jennifer Koehler <Jennifer.Koehler@abbyschools.ca>; Jasbir Singh <Jasbir.Singh@abbyschools.ca>; Robert Sloboda <Rob.Sloboda@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Wiebe <Stan.Wiebe@abbyschools.ca>; Karen Bennett <Karen.Bennett@abbyschools.ca>; Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Nathan,

Thank you for your response and for outlining the process under AP 213 for challenging a resource. I appreciate the information regarding the AP 213-3 Challenge Form and the steps involved in forming a reconsideration committee.

While I am prepared to complete the challenge form, I remain concerned about the broader issue this raises regarding the district’s evaluation process for library materials. The inclusion of Eleanor and Park, which contains sexually explicit and highly inappropriate language, indicates a serious oversight in adhering to the criteria outlined in AP 213-2. As you may be aware, the content of this book includes phrases such as:

“I asked him if his dick was bigger than his truck.”
“I know you’re a slut you smell like cum.”
“what he was shouting at her. FAT and FUCK and BITCH.”
“Jeez, now his mom was calling him a pussy.”
“FAT and FUCK and BITCH. And I WARNED YOU SABRINA.”
“Fucking woman, Fucking kids, Fuck you, you little bitch—who the fuck touched the stereo?”
“Your serve, bitch.”
“She’s fucking hot is what she is.”
“Jesus-fuck.”
“FUCK ALL OF YOU.”

This material clearly does not align with the policy’s requirement to promote a safe, respectful, and age-appropriate learning environment. It raises the question of how such content was approved for inclusion in the first place, and what measures are being taken to prevent similar oversights in the future.

Additionally, I have a few specific requests regarding this communication:

Please ensure that my family name is spelled correctly as “Barns” in all future correspondence.
Please CC the trustees and Sean Nozek on this communication to ensure all relevant parties are informed.
Please keep the email thread intact by including all previous content in your replies. Replying without context makes it difficult to track the ongoing discussion and ensures accountability and transparency.

While I will complete the form as suggested, I also urge the district to review its current practices for selecting and approving resources to ensure compliance with AP 213-2 and protect students from exposure to harmful content. This is not just about one book but about ensuring all resources in our libraries meet the standards necessary to provide a safe and supportive environment for learning.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing the reconsideration process carried out thoroughly and transparently. Please let me know if there are additional steps I should take at this time.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 6:33 PM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Mr. Barnes,

Thank you for your email on December 5, 2024.

We understand that you would like to challenge a resource found in your daughter’s school library and that you would like to see the resource removed. Please complete the AP 213-3 Challenge Form, which will be sent to our Director of Curriculum who will form a reconsideration committee, as outlined in AP 213.

Once a decision has been made by the committee, the resource will be either removed based on the criteria in AP 213-2 or will have been deemed to meet the criteria for the selection of learning commons resources. If this decision is unsatisfactory to you, you may appeal the decision, as outlined in AP 213 in section 5.3.5 and in our Board Policy 14.

Regards,

Nathan

Dr. Nathan Ngieng / Deputy Superintendent of Schools
nathan.ngieng@abbyschools.ca

Abbotsford School District
T: 604.859.4891 / F: 604.852.8587
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

This e-mail is privileged, confidential, and subject to copyright. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Abbotsford School District. The recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.

From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 12:26 PM
To: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>; Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>; Preet Rai <Preet.Rai@abbyschools.ca>; Rupi Rajwan <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; Korky Neufeld <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Petersen <Stan.Petersen@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch <Mike.Rauch@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>; Jaimie Webster <Jaimie.Webster@abbyschools.ca>; Jennifer Koehler <Jennifer.Koehler@abbyschools.ca>; Jasbir Singh <Jasbir.Singh@abbyschools.ca>; Robert Sloboda <Rob.Sloboda@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Wiebe <Stan.Wiebe@abbyschools.ca>; Karen Bennett <Karen.Bennett@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Corissa,

Thank you for your brief reply. However, I am still waiting for a detailed response to the specific questions I raised regarding the inclusion of Eleanor and Park in the school library and its compliance with AP 213, Section 1. These concerns are critical, as they directly pertain to student safety and the appropriateness of educational materials.

To provide further context, you can follow this link Abbotsford School District Concern About Sexually Explicit Material in Books to access the full communication I have had with the board regarding the removal of books such as Gender Queer, Identical, and The Bluest Eye from the Abbotsford School District. These materials highlight a real and ongoing issue that demands immediate attention.

Given the urgency of this matter and the risk of children being exposed to sexually explicit material, I urge you to reply promptly with clear and thorough answers to my concerns. Addressing this issue is essential to ensure that our schools maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment for all students.

Additionally, I want to note that Sean has not connected with me so far regarding these concerns.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, December 6, 2024 7:07 PM
To: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>; Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>; Preet Rai <Preet.Rai@abbyschools.ca>; Rupi Rajwan <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; Korky Neufeld <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Petersen <Stan.Petersen@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch <Mike.Rauch@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>; Jaimie Webster <Jaimie.Webster@abbyschools.ca>; Jennifer Koehler <Jennifer.Koehler@abbyschools.ca>; Jasbir Singh <Jasbir.Singh@abbyschools.ca>; Robert Sloboda <Rob.Sloboda@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Wiebe <Stan.Wiebe@abbyschools.ca>; Karen Bennett <Karen.Bennett@abbyschools.ca>; Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: Fw: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

FYI

From: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: Friday, December 6, 2024 6:42 PM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Hi Sean,

Pierre is following up.

Thanks,

Corissa

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 5, 2024 3:14 PM
To: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>; Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>; Preet Rai <Preet.Rai@abbyschools.ca>; Rupi Rajwan <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; Korky Neufeld <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Petersen <Stan.Petersen@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch <Mike.Rauch@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>; Jaimie Webster <Jaimie.Webster@abbyschools.ca>; Jennifer Koehler <Jennifer.Koehler@abbyschools.ca>; Jasbir Singh <Jasbir.Singh@abbyschools.ca>; Robert Sloboda <Rob.Sloboda@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Wiebe <Stan.Wiebe@abbyschools.ca>; Karen Bennett <Karen.Bennett@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Corissa,

I am following up on my previous message regarding the book Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, which I found in my daughter’s school library. As I outlined in my earlier email, the explicit language and mature themes in this book raise serious concerns about its appropriateness for a school environment and its compliance with AP 213, Section 1.

Given the nature of the content and its potential harm to students, I believe this matter requires urgent attention. I would greatly appreciate a response clarifying:

How Eleanor and Park was evaluated and deemed appropriate for inclusion in the library.
What steps the district will take to ensure compliance with AP 213 and to prevent similar materials from being made accessible to students in the future.

This issue is important to me and other parents, as it directly impacts the safety and appropriateness of the learning environment. To ensure this concern is addressed comprehensively, I have also CC’d the principals of schools in the district where this book is available in their libraries. It is crucial that the district provides clear guidance on how such materials are assessed and the corrective measures being implemented.

Please let me know if further details are needed on my part to assist in addressing this matter. I would appreciate your prompt response, as I have not yet received a reply to my previous email.

Thank you for your time and attention, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: November 23, 2024 4:05 PM
To: ‘Corissa St. George’ <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca; shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca; preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca; korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca; stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca; mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca; jared.white@abbyschools.ca
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Corissa,

I also want to follow up on my previous email regarding the book Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, which I found in my daughter’s school library. As I mentioned, the book contains explicit language and mature themes, such as:

“I asked him if his dick was bigger than his truck.”

“I know you’re a slut you smell like cum.”

“what he was shouting at her. FAT and FUCK and BITCH.”

This content is not only inappropriate for a school environment but also poses significant harm to students. Exposure to sexually explicit and offensive language at a young age can negatively impact a child’s emotional development, desensitize them to inappropriate behavior, and contribute to a distorted understanding of healthy relationships and communication.

Furthermore, this material directly violates the standards outlined in AP 213, Section 1. The policy clearly states that learning commons resources must align with age-appropriate standards and promote a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment. Including a book with such harmful content undermines these principles and raises serious concerns about the evaluation process for library materials.

I would like to understand how Eleanor and Park was evaluated and deemed appropriate for inclusion in the library. Additionally, I request clarification on the steps the district plans to take to ensure compliance with AP 213 and to prevent similar materials from being made accessible to students in the future.

Exposing children to such content is inconsistent with district policies and risks normalizing inappropriate and harmful language. Addressing this issue is critical to maintaining a safe and supportive educational environment.

Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated, as this matter is a serious concern for me and other parents. Please let me know if any additional information is required on my part.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Pierre Barns pierrebarns@gmail.com
Sent: November 22, 2024 2:30 PM
To: Corissa St. George Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca
Cc: Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca; shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca; preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca; korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca; stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca; mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca; jared.white@abbyschools.ca
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Corissa,

I am following up on my previous email, regarding the district’s policies and procedures related to library materials and student safety. As I have not yet received a response, I wanted to check in to ensure that my concerns are being reviewed.

To reiterate, I am seeking clarification on several key points, including:

How AP 210 and AP 213 are practically applied when assessing materials for age-appropriateness and safety.
Whether a formal review process exists to address parental concerns, including proper documentation of actions taken when specific content is challenged.
Defined protocols for handling sensitive materials and preventing grooming behaviors by staff.
Clarification on the definition of “learning resources” under district policy, specifically whether books in school libraries fall under this category.

These questions are vital to understanding how the district ensures a safe and appropriate learning environment for students. If additional information is needed from my side to assist in addressing these points, please let me know.

I would appreciate a response at your earliest convenience, as this matter is of great importance to me and other parents who share similar concerns.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: November 14, 2024 5:22 AM
To: ‘Corissa St. George’ <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca; shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca; preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca; korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca; stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca; mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca; jared.white@abbyschools.ca
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Corissa,

Thank you for your responses. I appreciate the links to AP 210 and AP 213, as well as confirmation that the superintendent has been copied on our communications.

However, I am still concerned that these administrative procedures and general guidelines do not directly address the specific issues I raised, particularly regarding the presence of inappropriate materials and the need for proactive measures. For instance, while AP 210 and AP 213 outline general standards, they do not explain how these standards are practically applied to ensure that explicit or harmful content does not end up in school libraries.

To address these concerns more effectively, could you also provide additional detail on the following:

Evaluation and Review Process: How does the district implement AP 210 and AP 213 in practice when assessing materials for age appropriateness and safety? Are there specific criteria or a dedicated team responsible for these assessments?

I noted the link to the general process for parental concerns. However, I would like to know if a formal review process exists that involves parents or guardians when specific content is challenged, ensuring that concerns are directly addressed and any necessary actions, such as restricting access, are properly documented.

Guidelines on Sensitive Content and Staff Behavior: Are there defined protocols beyond general policies to address and review materials that may contain harmful or sensitive content? Additionally, I would appreciate clarification on specific measures the district has in place to monitor and prevent grooming behaviors by staff, ensuring student safety.

If additional procedures exist beyond what is outlined in AP 210 and AP 213, I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide details on these. If not, I would welcome an opportunity to discuss how the district might consider implementing clearer, more specific protections for student safety.

Before I proceed with completing any forms regarding inappropriate books in the library, I would like clarification on what constitutes a “learning resource” under district policy. Specifically, could you confirm whether books in school libraries are classified as learning resources? This clarification is to avoid a repeat of the issue I encountered in 2021, where a previous complaint was rejected because the books in question were not considered learning resources.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to a more in-depth response.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Sent: November 13, 2024 6:52 PM
To: Pierre Barns <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Good afternoon,

We have responded to your additional questions below in bold.

Corissa

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, November 8, 2024 5:52 AM
To: Corissa St. George <Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca>
Cc: Nathan Ngieng <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>; Shirley Wilson <Shirley.Wilson@abbyschools.ca>; Preet Rai <Preet.Rai@abbyschools.ca>; Rupi Rajwan <Rupi.KandaRajwan@abbyschools.ca>; Korky Neufeld <Korky.Neufeld@abbyschools.ca>; Stan Petersen <Stan.Petersen@abbyschools.ca>; Mike Rauch <Mike.Rauch@abbyschools.ca>; Jared White <Jared.White@abbyschools.ca>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Good morning, Corissa,

Thank you for your response and for providing the link to the district’s policies. However, I must reiterate that my primary concern revolves around the application of these policies, specifically regarding the presence of inappropriate materials, such as Eleanor and Park, in school libraries. Given the explicit content of this book, I find it necessary to understand how the district assesses the suitability of library materials and safeguards students from content that could be considered harmful.

In light of this, I am asking for a more detailed response on the district’s specific actions and protocols for:

Evaluating and reviewing library materials: How does the district determine what constitutes age-appropriate and safe content for students?

AP 210 – The purpose of this administrative procedure is to ensure that appropriate learning resources are used in schools to support curricular learning standards and educational programs, and that district processes for the selection of learning resources conform to the School Act and district expectations:

https://www.abbyschools.ca/administrative-procedures/AP210

AP 213 – The purpose of this administrative procedure is to establish guidelines for the management of learning commons resources to ensure the collection continually evolves, remains relevant and responsive to supporting the goals of the curriculum, and is in alignment with the School Act, Safe Schools Act and district expectations:

https://www.abbyschools.ca/administrative-procedures/AP213

Handling parental concerns: What procedures are in place for reviewing and potentially removing or restricting access to material that parents raise concerns about?

If Parents/Guardians have concerns, they can refer to our website and the steps provided for support and guidance: https://www.abbyschools.ca/communicating-with-your-school
Parents/Guardians can refer to AP 210: https://www.abbyschools.ca/administrative-procedures/AP210 (Learning Resources Challenge Form)

Addressing issues related to sensitive content and grooming behaviors: Are there specific guidelines for identifying and handling materials with themes of sexual abuse or other potentially harmful topics? Additionally, what measures are in place to monitor and address any grooming behaviors by school staff?

If Parents/Guardians have concerns, they can refer to our website and the steps provided for support and guidance: https://www.abbyschools.ca/communicating-with-your-school

The general policies on your website are helpful as a starting point, but I believe these questions require a more specific response to reassure parents that our concerns are being directly addressed. Additionally, I would appreciate confirmation that this message and my previous concerns have been shared with the Superintendent, as requested.

Yes, all emails have been shared with the superintendent.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to a transparent response addressing these pressing issues.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: Corissa St. George Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca
Sent: November 7, 2024 6:19 PM
To: pierrebarns@gmail.com
Cc: Nathan Ngieng Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your email. All of our policies and procedures, including those related to safety, learning resources, and instructional programs, are posted on our website. For your convenience, you can access the link here: https://www.abbyschools.ca/about/administrative-procedures

You may also find this information about Communicating with Your School useful: https://www.abbyschools.ca/communicating-with-your-school

Sincerely,

—
Corissa St.George / Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

T: 604.859.4891 ext 1230 / F: 604.859.5898
2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4M7
www.abbyschools.ca

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: November 7, 2024 10:10 AM
To: Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca
Cc: ‘Nathan Ngieng’ <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>; shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca; preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca; korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca; stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca; mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca; jared.white@abbyschools.ca
Subject: RE: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Corissa,

I am reaching out again to follow up on this email, regarding the presence of inappropriate content in school materials. Since my initial message, I found the book Eleanor and Park available in my daughter’s school library (Rick Hansen Secondary School). After reviewing its content, I was disturbed by the explicit language and mature themes within the book, which could be harmful for students.

This discovery has intensified my concerns about the district’s protocols for reviewing and selecting library materials. As I requested earlier, I would appreciate more information on the district’s policies for handling and evaluating inappropriate materials, including the procedures for reporting concerns and any guidelines on content that may address issues of sexual abuse, grooming, or other related topics.

Could you please provide an update on any actions the district is taking to review materials in school libraries? I am also interested in understanding how the district plans to ensure that all available resources meet the standards for a safe and age-appropriate learning environment.

Additionally, please forward this email to the Superintendent.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response and to seeing proactive steps taken to address these concerns.

For your reference, a review of the book’s contents is accessible here: https://exposingsogi123.com/contents/book-reviews/Eleanor%20and%20Park%20by%20Rainbow%20Rowell.pdf

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: November 6, 2024 11:38 AM
To: Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca
Cc: ‘Nathan Ngieng’ <Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca>; shirley.wilson@abbyschools.ca; preet.rai@abbyschools.ca; rupi.kanda-rajwan@abbyschools.ca; korky.neufeld@abbyschools.ca; stan.petersen@abbyschools.ca; mike.rauch@abbyschools.ca; jared.white@abbyschools.ca
Subject: FW: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Corissa,

I inadvertently missed including the board with this email.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

From: pierrebarns@gmail.com <pierrebarns@gmail.com>
Sent: November 6, 2024 8:18 AM
To: Corissa.Stgeorge@abbyschools.ca
Cc: Nathan.Ngieng@abbyschools.ca
Subject: Request for District Policies on Inappropriate Materials and Protection Guidelines

Dear Corissa,

I am writing to you as a concerned parent to request information on the district’s policies regarding the removal or revision of inappropriate materials within school libraries and classrooms, as well as the procedures for reporting and addressing these concerns.

Additionally, I would like to know what policies are in place to protect students from potentially harmful content, including specific guidelines related to sexual abuse, grooming, and other sensitive matters.

I would appreciate any documentation or links to these policies and procedures to better understand how the district is ensuring a safe and appropriate learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your attention to this request, and I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

Pierre Barns

Leave a Comment Cancel reply