Privacy Investigation Launched After Unauthorized Posting of Children

Concerns about student safety and privacy have escalated following reports of a former educator engaging with kindergarten students at St. John Brebeuf Catholic School in Erin, Ontario. Alexander “Alex” Dotzko, whose teaching license was revoked, allegedly organized a classroom event without notifying parents or the school board about his status.

Dotzko, while not registered with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators, recently led a “Social Skills Tea Party” for children aged three to six. Invitations to the event were signed by him, creating an impression of legitimacy. Parents later learned that Dotzko’s license had been revoked, and they were unaware of his participation in the event.

In a troubling twist, Dotzko had posted videos on YouTube showing identifiable kindergarten students during a reading session of *Pride Puppy*. These videos, featuring children without parental consent, have since been removed. This action appears to violate Ontario’s Guide to Privacy and Access in Schools and the policies of the Wellington Catholic District School Board, both of which strictly prohibit the online sharing of student images without explicit permission.

The situation raises further questions about regulatory oversight when compared to a separate incident involving a school employee in British Columbia. In 2023, that employee was terminated for running an anonymous adult content account, despite not involving any children or filming on school grounds. In contrast, Dotzko has been allowed to interact with students and post identifiable footage without facing immediate repercussions.

In response to growing parental concerns, Rebel News reached out to the Wellington Catholic District School Board, the Ontario Ombudsman’s Children and Youth Unit, and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC). While the school board has yet to issue a public statement, the IPC has confirmed it is conducting an investigation into the potential privacy violations at St. John Brebeuf.

“Children’s personal information is deeply sensitive,” stated the IPC in a formal communication. “When their privacy is breached, it can cause real and lasting harm.” Parents have also been encouraged to file complaints if they believe their children’s privacy has been compromised.

Despite these assurances, sources indicate that parents attempting to raise concerns with the school board have faced deflection and vague responses regarding privacy policies. This situation highlights a significant disconnect between the institutional response and the protection of vulnerable minors.

The ongoing investigation emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and accountability in educational settings. Parents have a right to know who interacts with their children and to ensure their privacy is respected. As the IPC continues its inquiry, the case underscores the importance of safeguarding students’ personal information in schools.

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