Mentone Girls ‘ Grammar council backs principal after string of shocking allegations

The Mentone Girls’ Grammar council says it “stands behind” the outgoing principal after claims the school ignored allegations about inappropriate sexual behaviour by a senior staff member.

The Mentone Girls’ Grammar council says it is ‘standing behind’ outgoing principal Natalie Charles.

The Mentone Girls’ Grammar council has continued to back outgoing principal Natalie Charles, as the fallout from Herald Sun revelations continue.

As staff and senior students return to campus for the start of term four, the school council president James Stewart sent out a letter saying the school “stands firmly behind our principal’s handling of matters of conduct”.

On the weekend, the Herald Sun reported claims from former and existing staff that the school ignored allegations from at least four female staff members about the inappropriate sexual behaviour of a senior male staff member in 2023.

The man, who has since left the school, is alleged to have made inappropriate advances to a number of female staff and shared alcohol with students at the year 12 formal.

A source inside the school said it was now “hanging on by a thread” and was in financial “freefall” following a decline in student enrolments.

Another staff member said: “Monday’s staff briefing will certainly be interesting”.

The Mentone Girls’ Grammar council has continued to back outgoing principal Natalie Charles.

Another commended the women who came forward as “courageous”.

Parents expressed concern on group chats, with some backing the school’s leaders and other swapping stories about their own experiences.

One told the Herald Sun that it was “interesting that he (Mr Stewart) backs the principal ...”.

“This is consistent with what I have observed from a school culture perspective,” they said.

Another said the behaviour of the male staff member in the article was “appalling” and yet “nothing was done about it”.

In the letter sent on Sunday, Mr Stewart said the Herald Sun’s claims were “inaccurate” and “deeply disappointing”.

“At the core of our values is an unwavering commitment to the pastoral care and welfare of our students and staff. Any suggestion that our School would deny, ignore, or suppress allegations of inappropriate behaviour or harassment of any kind is entirely unfounded,” he wrote.

He thanked those who had offered “messages of support”.

“As we look to the future, we are pleased to share that there have been notable improvements in our financial position this year, bolstered by a robust balance sheet and underlying asset base,” he wrote.

Mr Stewart said the recruitment process for Ms Charles’ replacement was also “progressing well” and the council will appoint a leader to continue her “outstanding work”.

Ms Charles, who has also worked at Carey Grammar and Melbourne Grammar, will start as principal at St Catherine’s School in 2025.

Originally published as Mentone Girls ‘ Grammar council backs principal after string of shocking allegations