The Discipline Committee ordered that the teaching certificate of Robert Lavergne be revoked for sexually abusing two students (Student 1 and Student 2). In criminal court, Lavergne was convicted of one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual exploitation in relation to Student 1. He was also convicted of one count of sexual assault in relation to Student 2.
Lavergne was certified to teach in January 2001.
This matter was disposed of without a hearing in accordance with section 30.2(8) of the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 and Rule 9.03 of the Rules of Procedure of the Discipline Committee and of the Fitness to Practise Committee.
The Discipline Committee panel ordered that Lavergne’s Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked and that he receive a reprimand.
In their decision, the panel stated, “[Lavergne]’s convictions demonstrate that [Lavergne] put two students who were under his professional supervision (i.e., Student 1 and Student 2) at risk when he engaged in criminal behaviour of a sexual nature towards them. Members of the teaching profession are responsible for the safety and well-being of students.”
