Sarnia teacher charged with sexual offences ‘no longer employed,’ school board says in statement

A school board has announced the teacher accused of multiple sexual offences involving students in Sarnia has been fired.

A Sarnia high school teacher charged with multiple sexual offences allegedly involving students is no longer employed, the school board confirmed on Wednesday.

In a statement from Carolyn Bastien, director of education and secretary of the Conseil scolaire catholique Providence, the school board confirmed Kevin Partington, a teacher at the French-language school Saint Francois Xavier, is no longer employed.

The statement says Partington’s employment was terminated on Wednesday.

Partington, 33, is charged with multiple counts, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, making child pornography, and break and enter with intent.

Sarnia police say the charges stem from alleged sexual abuse involving several students in 2023 and 2024.

In the statement, Bastien thanks a staff member who took “immediate action” after hearing of an incident involving Partington. She says the staff member acted “diligently and without hesitation,” and in alignment with board procedures.

Bastien goes on to say that following the allegations, Partington was immediately placed on administrative leave and an internal investigation began.

“Since the Board learned of a police investigation on Feb. 11, we have collaborated fully with the Sarnia Police Service,” the statement reads.

“Let me begin by acknowledging how deeply troubling and upsetting this has been for families, students, and staff at École secondaire catholique Saint Francois Xavier,” Bastien said in the statement. “Any situation involving allegations of harm within a school community is devastating, and I recognize the fear, anger, confusion, and sense of betrayal that many are feeling. As director of education, I share in that concern and sorrow.”

Bastien says she encourages anyone who may have firsthand knowledge related to the situation to contact the Sarnia Police Service, and adds supports are available for students and staff.

Following a recent bail hearing, Partington was remanded into custody.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.