Marysville school released parents' personal information

Published Saturday September 6th, 2008
A5

The personal information of about 45 parents was accidently released by two teachers at Alexander Gibson Memorial School recently.

Forms including the addresses, phone and medicare numbers of Grade 1 students at the school were sent to the wrong homes.

Teachers were asked to have the parents of their students check the forms for error, but two instructors misunderstood and assumed the forms were blank.

"Normally, we have blank forms requesting information from parents to keep on file, such as emergency contact numbers," Dingwall said.

"This year, instead of asking parents to fill out the forms again, we used the same ones they filled out last year, which means they weren't blank."

Dingwall said the two teachers didn't look at the forms and mailed them out randomly instead of sending them to the homes that corresponded with the information.

"Knowing your personal information went out to someone else would be quite disconcerting," Dingwall said.

"We haven't had any incidents or complaints related to this, but we are certainly very sorry it occurred."

The superintendent said Gibson School staff have send out letters explaining and apologizing for the mistake.

He said schools are normally protective of the personal information of students and their families, but mistakes can happen.

"It was just a mistake on the part of a couple teachers and the school is having the formed reprinted now," Dingwall said.

"Parents who received someone else's information are being asked to disregard it."

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Karen Daniel, Fredericton on 06/09/08 10:38:11 AM AST
"This year, instead of asking parents to fill out the forms again, we used the same ones they filled out last year, which means they weren't blank." ....... do you realize that information may change over the course of the summer?... A lot of people move, a lot of people change employers, have phone numbers change etc.... and TWO of the instructors misunderstood what they were told to do with the forms?? Wow... who is teaching our children????
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S. M, Fredericton on 07/09/08 05:18:47 AM AST
This is a very unfortunate and honest mistake. As a teacher, I know how hectic the start of school can be. My school district also gives out last year's forms and parents are to sign if the information is the same, or correct and sign the information. Hopefully parents will understand that this was not done intentionally, forgive, and enjoy the rest of the school year. I am sure this mistake does not reflect on the professional competency of the teachers....we all make mistakes!
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E W, Winnipeg on 07/09/08 10:53:04 AM AST
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