An elementary school teacher in Colwood has been charged with accessing child pornography, says Sooke School District.
The school district has named Giles Borland as the teacher facing the charge.
Borland has been employed by the school district since 2016, most recently working at David Cameron Elementary as a music teacher. Prior to this, he worked at Wishart Elementary.
However, due to unrelated circumstances, Borland has not been in a classroom during the 2024-2025 school year, according to a statement on the school district's website.
The school district says they took immediate action after they were informed of Borland's charge on Feb. 5.
"Given the severity of the charge, superintendent Paul Block exercised his authority under the School Act to suspend Mr. Borland," said the school district. "He is also not authorized to practice under the Teacher Regulation Branch while this matter is under review."
While this matter is before the courts, the school district says they wish to be as transparent as possible within the legal parameters they must follow.
"Although current information is limited, we are committed to keeping our community informed to the fullest extent possible," they said.
The school district has said a range of support resources are available for students and families. "If support is needed, we strongly encourage families to connect with their child's teacher, school counsellor, principal or vice principal."
Anyone with information relevant to the case have been told to contact the Central Saanich Police Service at 250 652 4441.
