Former Goulburn Valley Grammar student launches legal action against school, teacher over violent threats, sex abuse

A woman has alleged her former teacher at Goulburn Valley Grammar - who has been convicted of sexually abusing another student - also assaulted her.

Former Goulburn Valley Grammar student Camille Waring. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A convicted sexual predator and former Goulburn Valley Grammar School teacher allegedly threatened to kill his former student if she told anyone he sexually abused her.

Former student Camille Waring has launched legal action against the Shepparton private school over years of sexual abuse she allegedly endured from former teacher Rodney Howes on school grounds and in the home of another GVGS staff member.

Ms Waring, now 47, has levelled more than 100 separate allegations against GVGS and Howes, detailing claims of violent sex abuse, threats, grooming and the school’s failure to protect her from the convicted abuser.

It comes after the Herald Sun in April revealed Ms Waring’s plans to launch legal action against the school and Howes.

Former Goulburn Valley Grammar student Camille Waring is suing her former school, as well as former teacher and convicted sexual predator Rodney Howes. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Ms Waring alleges that Howes also forced her to have sex with him in another staff member’s home where he claimed he was house sitting in 1991.

In 1992, Howes and another man allegedly placed a plastic bag over Ms Waring’s head before sexually assaulting her.

Ms Waring claims Howes threatened to take her to bushland near Shepparton and kill her, and on another occasion threatened to take his own life, if she reported the alleged abuse.

On another occasion, Howes allegedly paid the teenager at the time $20 to engage in sexual acts with him and another man, during which they assaulted her with several objects.

Former teacher Rodney Howes Picture: Supplied

In a writ filed to the Supreme Court, Ms Waring claims the regional private school failed to protect her from Howes’ tirade of alleged abuse and that senior staff were aware of separate abuse allegations levelled against Howes as early as 1990, before he was employed at the school.

“GVGS placed the reputation of the school before the safety of students and their right to be free from harm from sexual abuse,” the document read.

“The First Defendant (GVGS) knew, or ought to have known of the risk of sexual abuse to students at GVGS, including the plaintiff (Ms Waring), from teachers and staff.

“The severe and degrading intentional torts inflicted upon (Ms Waring) aged 14 to 18 … represents a gross breach of duty, and a continuing, conscious and contumelious disregard for her education, safety and health.”

The school and Howes have not yet filed a defence.

Howes, who taught Ms Waring year nine science and year 11 chemistry, was found guilty of assaulting another female student in 2000.

The school terminated his employment in 1995 when the allegations against him were publicly revealed.

Ms Waring is suing GVGS and Howes for lost income, medical expenses and legal fees, alleging the abuse left her suicidal and suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, drug abuse, an eating disorder and a sexually transmitted disease.

GVGS confirmed they received the writ and Ms Waring’s statement of claim.

Howes was contacted for comment.