The Saskatoon teacher hospitalized after helping a student who was set on fire last week has been discharged and is home resting, a Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) official has confirmed.
Evan Hardy Collegiate students and colleagues of Sean Hayes say he acted heroically, and want him to know he is in their thoughts.
“I wanted to share that the injured teacher is at home resting and recovering. He is taking time for himself and looking forward to when he is able to return,” SPS manager of communications Colleen Cameron said in an email.
Police say a 14-year-old girl allegedly poured liquid on a 15-year-old classmate and lit her on fire last Thursday over the noon hour. The 14-year-old’s lawyer appeared in provincial court Wednesday to request a one week adjournment to get more detail on the allegations.
The girl is charged with arson, aggravated assault and attempted murder. She’ll stay in custody until at least Sept. 18, when she is scheduled to return to court.
Students interviewed by CBC News said one student witness yelled, “Fire!” alerting teachers and other staff who rushed to the scene. They said Hayes and another teacher used jackets and other materials to extinguish the flames.
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The girl was taken to Royal University Hospital and then transported to Edmonton. She remains in hospital. Relatives say they’re optimistic she’ll continue to recover but it will be a long process.
Hayes was also injured in the incident and taken to hospital, but has now been discharged.
Separate online fundraisers for the girl and Hayes are helping with their expenses, and more than $90,000 has been donated between them.
“In the midst of this crisis, Mr. Hayes demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness, putting his own safety at risk to ensure a student’s well-being,” Hayes’ friend Allie Cameron wrote in a post on the fundraising page.
“Mr. Hayes has always been a pillar of support and care for his students, and his quick thinking during this emergency truly highlights his exceptional character. His heroic actions were nothing short of extraordinary and embody the very best of what it means to be an educator.”
The school closed after Thursday’s incident, but reopened for classes on Tuesday. Students said it was difficult to return, but the presence of teachers, counsellors, police and therapy dogs made them feel safe and supported.
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