Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar teacher suspended over historical sex assault allegations

A SENIOR teacher at an independent Melbourne girls’ high school has been suspended over historical sex assault allegations from former students.

A teacher at an independent girls’ high school has been suspended over historical sex assault allegations from former students. Generic picture

A SENIOR teacher at an independent girls’ high school has been suspended over historical sex assault allegations from former students.

The longstanding teacher at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School was suspended by the Victorian Institute of Teaching on Wednesday.

The Herald Sun understands between two and three complainants have recently made sexual assault allegations over incidents when the teacher was at Mount Scopus Memorial College in Burwood in the 1970s and 1980s.

No complaints have yet been made during the teacher’s tenure at Ivanhoe Girls’.

It’s believed one allegation arose after a woman posted in the #metoo campaign, which went viral on social media.

In the campaign, women across the world recounted their experiences of sexual assault and harassment to show the magnitude of the issue.

Victoria Police confirmed detectives from the Box Hill Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) were investigating allegations of sexual assault incidents at an eastern suburbs school between 1981 and 1983.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting the senior teacher is guilty of any offence, but just that he is being investigated over the claims.

Both Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar and Mount Scopus have released letters to past students encouraging anyone with concerns to make them known.

Mount Scopus Principal Rabbi James Kennard confirmed in a letter to past students that the teacher worked at the school between 1975 and 1984.

“Allegations have been made recently of inappropriate behaviour by a teacher employed at Mount Scopus during the years 1975 — 1984 inclusive, towards senior female students,” the letter read.

“One such former student has recently publicised her experiences and we applaud her courage for doing so. She then contacted the College, which reported the disclosure to the Victorian Police and offered support and counselling.

“We would encourage any former student affected by the alleged behaviour of this teacher or any other, to report their experiences to the Victorian Police by contacting the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) at Box Hill Police Station.”

Ivanhoe Girls’ principal Heather Schnagl said in a letter to past students that after the teacher was suspended by the Victorian Institute of Teaching on Wednesday, he was immediately stood down and placed on leave while being investigated

“The School is legally compelled to take this action as a result of the suspension and is in no position to make any judgment regarding any allegations,” the statement read.

“The allegations made are historical and not associated in any way with Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School.

“The School is not aware of any risk to current or former students of Ivanhoe Girls’.

“We have little information at this stage but we are co-operating fully with all involved in the investigations and we will update you as we can.

“Whilst the allegations do not relate to our school, it is important that we emphasise should any current or former students, or parents have concerns about any staff member at Ivanhoe Girls’, the School would like to hear from you and assist you.”

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