Plumpton High School teacher Tyson Moon charged with child sexual offences

Members of a western Sydney school community have slammed the NSW Department of Education’s decision to move a teacher to a “non-school work location” after he was charged with child sexual offences.

Plumpton High School teacher Tyson Moon, 26, has been charged with child sexual offences.

Members of a western Sydney school community have slammed the NSW Department of Education’s decision to move a teacher to a “non-school work location” after he was charged with child sexual offences.

Plumpton High School music and drama teacher Tyson Moon, 26, was charged on November 14 with three counts of sexually touching a child under special care.

NSW Police child abuse squad officers had been investigating Moon since November 1, following reports of alleged misconduct.

A police spokesman said the 26-year-old had been granted conditional bail to face court in Mt Druitt on December 16.

Parents at the school were notified on Tuesday of the charges in a letter from the principal, who, without naming Moon, revealed he had been “assigned to a non-school work location by the NSW Department of Education” while the court case progressed.

Plumpton High School, where the teacher worked. Picture: John Feder

One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told this masthead she was concerned Moon was still working for the department while the charges were before the courts.

Another parent, who also asked not to be named, said while Moon was presumed innocent, she felt he should have been suspended over the allegations while they were pending.

The woman, whose child was taught by Moon, said she and other parents were also unhappy with a lack of communication from the school in terms of supporting students.

“They’ve just left everyone in the dark,” she said.

Speaking outside the school, Raymond, who asked to have his surname withheld, said his granddaughter attended the school.

The 67-year-old said families had “hardly heard a thing from the school”.

Plumpton High School principal Tim Lloyd sent a letter to parents revealing a staff member had been charged.

This masthead is not suggesting Moon is guilty of the offences with which he has been charged.

Plumpton High School principal Tim Lloyd said in Tuesday’s letter to parents the school was unable to comment on anything associated with Moon’s matter, as it was now before the courts.

“As soon as this matter was brought to its attention, the school followed all related departmental policies and procedures, including support for students,” he wrote in the letter.

He said counselling was available for students, and shared the details of Kids Helpline, Youth Beyond Blue and Headspace for further support.

Moon was also involved in Sydney theatre group Fantasia Showstoppers, where he most recently directed a production called Dot and the Kangaroo Jr, which premiered at the Greater Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre in April.

Plumpton High School was named online as a partner of the production.

Fantasia Showstoppers president David Catterall told this masthead the group had learned about Moon, described as a “former director”, being charged through media reports.

“Our thoughts are with anyone in the community who may be impacted by these allegations and the news of the same,” he said.

“Please know that the safety, wellbeing, and care of our students have always been and will continue to be our highest priority.”

A NSW Department of Education spokesman said Moon was not working in schools and would not be throughout the court process.

“The care and protection of students are the department’s highest priorities,” he said.

“The department does not tolerate employees engaging in misconduct, especially towards students.”

The spokesman said the matter had been referred to the department’s professional and ethical standards directorate, where trained child protection investigators work closely with police to ensure the safety and welfare of students.

“Given this is a police matter, it would be inappropriate for the department to comment further,” he said.

Education Minister Prue Car’s spokesman referred this masthead’s requests for comment to the department.

The charges levelled at Moon were revealed on the same day Plumpton High was recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative schools, having been included in a list of 41 “five-star” schools by education news website The Educator.

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