St Luke’s Dee Why teacher quits after virginity lesson backlash

A private school teacher who asked boys to rate girls based on virginity, looks and Christian values has resigned after fierce backlash.

A teacher at a prestigious Sydney private school who organised a sexist activity where boys rated girls based on their virginity has resigned.

The Year 10 Christian Studies teacher at St Luke’s Grammar in Dee Why was stood down after he asked boys to rate girls from a list of qualities, assigning more points to girls who displayed strong Christian values.

Boys and girls were separated for the activity, and while boys were assigning more value to girls who were virgins, good looking and conservative, the girls were taught a lesson on staying a virgin as long as possible.

St Lukes Grammar School in Dee Why. Source: Google Maps

In a letter to the St Luke’s alumni community, principal Geoff Lancaster confirmed the teacher has now resigned and will not return to the school.

“Most likely you have seen some media coverage about our school and I feel that as an alumni of our wonderful school, I owe you an explanation,” Mr Lancaster opened his letter.

A teacher from St Luke’s Grammar School has resigned after a lesson where boys rated girls.

Mr Lancaster said the lesson contained “inappropriate slides” and “ill-considered approaches”, and last week he apologised to students and recalled the materials.

“I have appreciated the overwhelming support for my actions from parents and teachers, and am proud of the agency that our students had to raise these concerns with staff,” he said.

“The teacher at the centre of this matter has now resigned and will not be returning to the school.”

In the activity the top six points were given to attractive, popular, strong Christian values, conservative, kind and virgins as the best qualities.

Five points were assigned to physical fitness, having a sense of humour and being fun.

Four points were assigned to sexiness, going to church and being truthful.

Being adventurous, caring for the world and being generous were qualities given just one point.

Mr Lancaster said this is the only complaint he has received about the teacher during his one-year as principal, however some parents have used the media attention to raise other “historic” complaints.

The school will be overhauling its Christian Studies program and has invited parents and students to give their own feedback.