Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci launches legal action against high school music teacher
Former Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci has launched legal action against her former music teacher and Emmaus College, in Melbourne’s east, alleging she was sexually abused. Now, her lawyer says a number of witnesses have since come forward.
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The lawyer for Australian Idol 2007 winner Natalie Gauci says more people have come forward about registered sex offender music teacher Sigmund Leon Sokolowksi.
Gauci, now appearing as a contestant on The Voice in Guy Sebastian’s team, broke her silence about alleged sexual abuse while she was at Catholic co-ed school Emmaus College in the 1990s.
She is suing the teacher and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne which oversees Emmaus’ campuses at Burwood and Vermont South.
Gauci alleges she was groomed and groped by the music teacher who went on to be convicted of abuse of other students.
While never jailed, Sokolowski received a series of suspended sentences and is on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers’ associate John Rule told the Herald Sun a number of people have come forward since Gauci, now a mother and living in Queensland, broke her silence.
“We have had a significant number of witnesses come forward, suggesting that a wider problem existed at Emmaus College,” he said.
“In historical abuse cases witnesses are essential and it’s been great to see the number of people who have come forward and are prepared to give statements.”
It is understood one of the people to corroborate Gauci’s claims was a former teacher who raised the alarm about the music teacher at the time.
On Tuesday, the current principal at Emmaus said it was “devastating to think students at our school may have been harmed during their time here, irrespective of how long ago”.
Principal Tony Hirst also praised her tremendous courage in coming forward.
Gauci, who won Australian Idol in 2007, alleges she was abused by her high school music teacher at the co-ed school from 1994 to 1997
Emmaus College is a well regarded, lower fee-paying Catholic school with campuses at Vermont South and Burwood. It has nearly 1400 students.
A school statement was sent to parents on Monday and posted to a school alumni social media page. The school turned off comments on the Facebook post.
In a post on her Instagram page Gauci, 38, said she was healing.
“Healing takes a lifetime and beyond. I’m so happy and grateful for the happiness and joy I feel in my life now and for all the love and support around me,” she wrote.
She went on to say that she thought she was ready to speak for many years but now was the time to speak about the alleged actions of convicted sex offender Sokolowski.
In 2014 Sokolowksi again avoided jail after pleading guilty to “feeling up” six teens he was teaching at Wesley College between 1987 and 2006. He was given a wholly suspended two year sentence for two years. He reportedly donned a black wig as a disguise in court.
In 2008. Sokolowski was given a community-based order after admitting to groping and inappropriately touching 10 students in the early to mid-2000s while he was teaching at Emerald and Berwick schools.
He is thought to be living in Poland.
Mr Hirst, who will leave at the end of the year, said there were strong safeguards in place in protect children.
“It is devastating to think that students at our school may have been harmed during their time here, irrespective of how long ago. Teachers are held in a position of trust in our community, and have a duty of care to their students; any breach of this trust and care is unacceptable and will never be tolerated at our college,” he said.
“As the matter initiated by the former student is now subject to civil proceedings, we must not interfere with the administration of justice.
Mr Hirst went on to say that he was unable to make specific comments about the case.
“However, I want to use this opportunity to emphasise the stringent policies and procedures we have in place to protect the safety of all our students,” he said.
“You can be assured that we at Emmaus College hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as the central and fundamental responsibility of our school. The college regards its child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance, and is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws, and maintain a child safe culture.
“Our priority is first and foremost to support and protect our students and the school community.”
Mr Hirst said he would encourage any students who had “experienced abuse to report the matter to the police, and if we can provide assistance in any way, we are keen to do so”.
“We should acknowledge the tremendous courage that it has taken for our former student to come forward. Our prayers are with them, in the firm belief that truth will prevail, and with a fervent hope that healing can occur.”
Emmaus College opened in February, 1980, from the amalgamation of single sex schools St Thomas More College (1968–1979) at Forest Hill and Chavoin College (1966–1979) at Burwood.
Until 2012 the Years 7–10 campus was located at Vermont South and the VCE at Burwood. Since 2012 Year 7-12 have been located at Vermont South and Year 9 at Burwood.
Originally published as Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci launches legal action against high school music teacher