Sexual harassment claims at St Kevin’s College in Melbourne

A senior male teacher at an elite Melbourne private school has been investigated for sexually harassing female staff members.

A senior male teacher at St Kevin’s College was investigated for sexually harassing three female staff members last year, News Corp Australia can reveal.

A senior male teacher at an elite private school was investigated for sexually harassing three female staff members last year, News Corp Australia can reveal.

The teacher, who is no longer working for the school, was the subject of a confidential internal investigation at St Kevin’s College, Toorak.

The probe was sparked after a number of incidents were brought to the attention of principal Deborah Barker in December 2021.

It is understood the complaints centred on inappropriate physical behaviour and took place in front of other staff.

Principal Deborah Barker did not comment on the case, but said there has “been significant cultural change at St Kevin’s College.”

“We have responded and continue to do so but cultural development takes time. We are not looking for a short term solution but rather we are working towards long term positive outcomes for staff, students and families.”

St Kevin's College, Toorak, Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

St Kevin’s, which was the subject of a Four Corners report, has confirmed a “drop box” allowing teachers to convey their experiences of such behaviour has received multiple comments from staff.

The anonymous comments have formed the basis of terms of reference for a Gender Working Party convened by the school’s leaders which is further reviewing the school’s culture.

In May, a cultural survey initiated by the school’s leaders found 13 per cent of staff reported they don’t feel safe at work.

Last year, a Nous Review of the school found evidence of a continuing “toxic” and “misogynistic” culture, with both staff and students reporting misogynistic language and sexist behaviour.

It follows News Corp Australia reports of teachers saying senior female staff don’t feel safe walking across the schoolyard because of the school’s sexist and misogynist culture.

St Kevin’s College in Toorak. Picture: AAP Image

Mrs Barker said the school “takes all matters that staff raise seriously.”

“Staff and students are valued and respected by the College Advisory Council, College Leadership Team, Parents and Colleagues,” she said.

“As outlined above there are considerable actions already been undertaken and two tangible roles (a second Deputy Principal - Community Engagement and a senior appointment focused on staff wellbeing) are clear statements about the shifting culture,” she said.

“We are not looking for a short-term solution but rather we are working towards long term positive outcomes for staff, students and families.

In other developments at the Toorak school, female leaders have been given additional training to equip them to work in a boys’ school, a deputy principal for community engagement has been appointed and parents have a code of conduct.

The Independent Education Union declined to comment.