Our community is urgently calling for transparency, accountability, and meaningful change within the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board following a severe ransomware attack that resulted in significant data theft.

Issues such as declining student interest and questionable disciplinary practices only add to the urgency of the matter.

Ransome-ware Timeline

December 15th, 2022 - The school board is cyber-attacked with a ransom demand. HSCDSB dismisses students and stays quiet.

December 16th, 2022 - Catholic board posts surplus

January 3rd, 2023 - Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board employees likely affected by cyber attack

January 5th, 2023 - Attackers say they have deleted data stolen from Ontario school board

January 5th, 2023 - Huron-Superior board won't say if ransom paid to cyber-attackers

January 13th, 2023 - Employees concerned after Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board cyberattack

January 23rd, 2023 - Ransomware attack costs Catholic school board more than $300K

May 9th, 2023 - Students, former students, victims of HSCDSB cyber attack

May 16th, 2023 - Disclosure of cyber attacks the best defence: threat analyst

Data Breach and its Handling

The recent ransomware attack on the HSCDSB, costing over $300,000, has raised considerable alarm due to the subsequent theft of personal data. The disturbing part is the delayed and staggered disclosure of this theft over five months, culminating in the shocking revelation of our children's personal data being compromised. This handling of the situation has dramatically eroded trust in the Board and highlighted the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability.

Institutional Issues at St. Mary's School

St. Mary's School, within the HSCDSB, is suffering from a culture of favouritism, emotional abuse, and a failure to uphold Christian values. Incidents of subjective punishment and reward systems based on a child's social standing or staff's personal bias underscore the need for actionable change.

Inadequate Response to Mental Health Concerns

An incident on February 14th, where a student was denied mental health support, further spotlights the need for enhanced and effective mental health resources in our schools.

Our Demands

• A thorough investigation into handling the ransomware attack and immediate action to restore data security.
• Actionable change in the disciplinary practices at St. Mary's School to ensure fairness and respect for all students.
• We have enhanced mental health support for students across the HSCDSB.
• Prompt and transparent response to allegations of inappropriate behaviour by staff members.

We believe that a change in leadership is necessary to restore trust, ensure the safety and well-being of our students, and bring about the required changes.

Our society, one we proudly call Canada, deserves nothing less for its future generation. Please join us in our call for transparency, accountability, and meaningful change within the HSCDSB.