Marist College Ashgrove principal returns to work as sex abuse civil case revealed

The principal of an elite Brisbane school has returned to work today as it’s revealed he is caught up in a civil claim relating to historical allegations of student sex abuse.

Michael Newman is set to return to Marist College Ashgrove as principal on Monday, April 15.

The reason for the sudden departure of a principal from a leading Catholic boys’ school can now be revealed: Michael Newman, head of Marist College Ashgrove, is caught up in a civil claim relating to alleged sexual abuse of a student.

Mr Newman shocked the school community by taking personal leave at the start of 2024 will return to work today (April 15).

This historical allegation was made against the Marist Brothers and relates to the time Mr Newman was on staff at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill in Sydney in 1994.

Mr Newman and the Marist Brothers deny the allegations. They are defending the civil suit. Police have laid no charges in relation to the matter.

The civil claim for damages was filed on January 8, 2024, and is ongoing in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

A risk assessment investigation by the Marist Schools Association – led by a Kings Counsel with extensive experience in the field of child protection – has determined it is safe for Mr Newman to resume his duties as head of college.

In a letter to the school community on Monday morning, Frank Molloy, national director of Marist Schools Association, said Mr Newman had “never had any other complaint or allegation of sexual abuse or sexually inappropriate behaviour made against him” during his education career of more than 30 years.

Marist College Ashgrove principal Michael Newman returns to the school on April 15. File picture

“An allegation like this triggers a best practice response which was implemented by the Marist Brothers, MSA, and Mr Newman without delay,” Dr Malloy said.

“Given the seriousness of the matter, and in line with MSA’s established child protection procedures and consistent with mandated reporting obligations, Mr Newman agreed immediately to take personal leave from his position,” he said.

Marist Brothers also notified NSW Police which “subsequently confirmed their decision not to undertake any criminal investigation”, Dr Malloy said.

The allegation was also reported to the Queensland College of Teachers.

“We believe it is important to explain the reasons for Mr Newman’s personal leave to avoid any misunderstanding, and also the steps MSA has undertaken in response to the circumstances,” he wrote, in a letter shared with The Courier-Mail.

Dr Malloy said those details could not be shared earlier because of the immediate actions required, to ensure the integrity of the risk assessment process and the continued smooth running of the college at the beginning of the school year.

“At this time, I ask that you keep in your prayers all those who have experienced abuse in our community, including those who have been harmed while attending Marist schools,” Dr Malloy said.

“We openly acknowledge that this is a part of our history, and we unreservedly apologise that children have been abused and that this has caused great harm and suffering.”

Marist College Ashgrove Advisory Council chair Peter Sellwood also wrote to the school community, to “make our position very clear” and “fully support the return of Mr Newman”.

“We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge unequivocally that the council is proud of the very significant improvements within the college, including the recent excellent academic results under Mr Newman’s leadership,” Mr Sellwood said.

Michael Newman has declined to comment at this time.

Email Kylie Lang