Mount Scopus finishes probe into teacher’s alleged ‘inappropriate conduct’

A Jewish school has concluded its investigation into a teacher after serious allegations of “inappropriate conduct” were made by multiple former students.

Mount Scopus College has concluded its independent investigation into the recent allegations of inappropriate conduct.

A Jewish school has concluded its investigation into a teacher after serious allegations of “inappropriate conduct” were made by multiple former students.

In a letter sent to families on Tuesday afternoon, Mount Scopus College principal Rabbi James Kennard said the school had concluded its independent investigation into the recent allegations of inappropriate conduct and all material and findings shared with the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).

It comes after Jared Alford, a former director of student development who had worked at Mount Scopus Memorial College in Burwood for more than 20 years, suddenly left the school earlier in January after multiple former students came forward with allegations he behaved inappropriately towards them.

Rabbi Kennard said the school was also continuing to work with Child Wise, a national social enterprise specialising in child safety.

“Child Wise and Mount Scopus Memorial College will be reviewing our approach to child safety and making improvements where needed,” he said.

He said the review would aim to collect information about child safety at Mount Scopus including what’s working well and ideas for areas of improvement.

“We will be ensuring that we hear from a broad range of people in our community including children, young people, parents/carers, staff, old collegians and volunteers across the primary and secondary schools.

“The review will include student, parent and staff surveys. Details of these will be sent out in the coming week. As well as these, smaller focus groups will be held with members of the school community.

“These groups will be selected to ensure we have representation from all key elements in the school. We will be sending out invitations to a cross-section of individuals, (and requests for permission from their parents in the case of students) in the near future.”