Christian College Geelong teacher Daniel Fanning allegedly ‘humiliated’ students on last day before exams

A horrified parent has alleged a teacher at a top Geelong private school “humiliated” students in their final class before exams, suggesting they would become homeless or a stripper after school.

A parent has slammed Christian College Geelong after a teacher allegedly “humiliated” students in their final class before exams.

A Christian College Geelong teacher “humiliated” students in their final class before exams, suggesting they would go on to become homeless or a stripper after school, a horrified parent has alleged.

It’s understood English teacher Daniel Fanning, who is also VCE co-ordinator at the school, gave a presentation in the final year 12 class before exams, explaining what he thought students would become after high school.

The parent, who did not wish to be named, said Mr Fanningsingled out students, and said one would become a male stripper, one homeless, and one a teen mother with seven children, each with supporting images.

The incident occurred in mid-October.

The parent said if it was an attempt at humour, Mr Fanning “missed the mark”.

Christian College Geelong teacher Daniel Fanning “missed the mark” with his presentation, the parent said. Picture: LinkedIn

He said his daughter was left feeling humiliated and body shamed after the teacher directed a prediction at her during the incident.

He said she came home the day of the incident with a friend, who told him what had happened, after which his daughter “broke down”.

“Unfortunately, the next day, word had got around that she’d been ‘nominated’,” he said.

“She felt body shamed, and also derided by the other students, who were making fun of (her).

“As a parent, I’m horrified.”

In correspondence sent to the parent in the week after the incident and seen by the Geelong Advertiser, acting principal Rick Geall said the college was “taking this matter seriously”.

A screengrab of a video taken of Mr Fanning's presentation, which was shared on social media. Picture: Supplied

Mr Geall said they had commenced misconduct proceedings with Mr Fanning.

“The matter has also been reported to the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) who will undertake their own investigation separate to the college’s internal processes,” he said in the email.

The parent said as a “minimum” measure, he would have expected the teacher to be stood down while the college investigated the incident.

However, Mr Geall said in the email that the college was “of the view that Mr Fanning does not pose further risk to your daughter or other students”.

The parent said his daughter felt extremely uncomfortable with the idea of attending the school to sit her exams if Mr Fanning would be present.

He said the school’s solution to this was for her to sit her English exam in a room by herself.

“My view of that was so you ostracise (my daughter), who’s the victim, while the perpetrator continues to be able to operate as usual,” he said.

“She’s already been humiliated in the class, and you’re going to humiliate her again by (sitting) her in an exam room by herself.

“Why aren’t you just removing this guy from the school?”

The parent said Mr Fanning had been handing out exam papers on another occasion, and while he didn’t attend the November 19 year 12 celebration dinner, he was present at the ceremony on the same day.

A Christian College spokesman said the school regarded student wellbeing with the “utmost importance” and always aimed to provide a safe environment for students, aligning with its core values.

“As a result, following an internal investigation of the incident, the College reported the matter to the Victorian Institute of Teaching on October 19,” he said.

The parent said he didn’t feel the school had handled the situation “at all well”.

“It beggars belief,” the parent said.

A VIT spokeswoman said the safety and wellbeing of children and young people was the priority of the VIT, and regulatory action was taken when required.

“Action may include suspension or cancellation of registration; conducting investigations; referring matters to panel hearings; or imposing conditions on a teacher’s registration,” she said.

Mr Fanning has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Christian College Geelong teacher Daniel Fanning allegedly ‘humiliated’ students on last day before exams