On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, Lorne Plooard, the Chaplaincy Leader at St. Michael, was asked to accompany his Principal to a meeting at the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario. The nature of the meeting was unknown to Mr. Plooard. They were greeted by the Human Resources Manager and two Board Superintendants.
Mr. Plooard was presented a letter of Dismissal that stated:
"Unfortunately, it has been decided that there is no longer a sufficient level of compatibility between your approach to the role of the Chaplaincy Leader and the desired approach of St. Michael High School." He was dismissed from his position immediately.
During his tenure he had not had a performance evaluation, consultation, performance notice, warning or any communication related to problems with his work, that one would associate with not meeting expectations. Nothing his personnel file.
Mr. Plooard was fired because he presents the Gospel and the bible teaching, and held to the moral teaching of the Church. He was CATHOLIC. Not acceptable in our Catholic school system??? He produced fruit for Jesus Christ and his Church! The only one.
Mr. Plooard is a highly respected Chaplain by students, parents, teachers and our community.
Resolution:
a. Reinstate Mr. Plooard as Chaplaincy Leader, forthwith and without any form of retribution or reprisal on actions taken by him
b. Open inquiry into what was behind dismissal
c. Retained on paid administrative leave until matter resolved
