‘We are deeply sorry’: Toronto principal apologizes after Arabic version of ‘O Canada’ played at school on Oct. 7

TDSB sign outside the education centre in Toronto (CTV News file photo).

A principal at a Toronto high school has apologized after an Arabic version of ‘O Canada’ was played during morning announcements on the Oct. 7 anniversary of the deadly Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians.

The apology from the principal of Earl Haig Secondary School, shared in a letter obtained by CTV News Toronto, notes that the decision to play the Arabic version of the anthem “was not done with any ill intent.”

The apology comes three days after Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra publicly condemned the incident on social media and said that it was “hard to believe that no one recognized the significance of this day.”

Calandra warned he would “take action” if schools failed to respect the official versions of Canada’s national anthem, which are recognized only in English or French under federal law.

The school says that they will comply with that directive and will only use English, French or instrumental versions of the national anthem moving forward.

‘We are deeply sorry,’ principal says

In the letter, dated Oct. 9, Principal Steve Yee addressed parents, guardians, and students, calling it “a difficult week” for the school community.

“As you know, it has been a difficult week at Earl Haig SS due to an unfortunate incident, which involved the Arabic-language version of O Canada being played on the morning of October 7th, a solemn day for many in our school community and around the world,” Yee wrote.

“After speaking with multiple students and staff throughout the week, including those who are part of our Earl Haig Radio Team, we can now say with certainty that this was not done with any ill intent and that they are truly remorseful for what happened. That being said, I recognize the hurt that playing this version of the anthem on this date caused those in our community, and we are deeply sorry for this.”

Yee said he met with students and staff, including members of the school’s Jewish Student Association, shortly after the incident to directly apologize and offer support.

“Together with other staff, we have been checking in with students throughout the week and will continue to provide support as needed,” the letter said.

“I want to thank our students, and their families, for their patience, understanding, and openness to conversations with myself and staff as we navigated this week together.”

CTV News Toronto has also reached out to Calandra’s office for comment but has not yet received a response.

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