Nicholas O’Shea: Beaconsfield Primary School teacher charged with child-related offences

Parents of students at Beaconsfield Primary School say the school told them to “keep quiet” about a grade 6 teacher charged with child-related offences.

Beaconsfield Primary School teacher Nicholas O'Shea has been charged with child-related offences. Picture: Facebook

Parents of children who attend Beaconsfield Primary School say they are shocked by the alleged child sexual offences against a longtime grade 6 teacher.

The Herald Sun revealed earlier this week that Nicholas O’Shea, who has worked as a classroom teacher since 2016, had been arrested and charged with child-related offences.

Mr O’Shea has been suspended on an interim basis by the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

Several parents have told the Herald Sun they are angered after school leaders told them to “stay silent” about the allegations against Mr O’Shea.

“The school has told parents to keep quiet about what’s happened, but families and children that have come forward should feel brave for speaking out,” one parent said.

Another parent said the school community had been had been left “shocked” about the news of Mr O’Shea’s alleged offences.

Beaconsfield Primary School statement on teacher charged.

“To think that the safety of our children could’ve been compromised at any time is very worrying,” she said.

“Our children have the right to feel safe at school.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said detectives from Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team had charged a 30-year-old man following an investigation.

“The Pakenham man has been charged with one count of sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16,” the spokeswoman said.

“The charges follow an incident in Pakenham between August 25-26 and involves the alleged use of an electronic device to transmit images.”

He has been bailed to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on February 8, 2024.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The school acknowledged this was “distressing” news and would impact “different people in different ways”.

“There are a range of support options available to our students and families.

“The school’s student wellbeing team is available for any students who need support in light of this news,” the school added.

A Department of Education spokesman said the safety and wellbeing of students was the highest priority of all schools, with support being offered to any affected staff or pupils who need it.

“Nicholas O’Shea’s teaching registration has been suspended by VIT and he is currently not teaching at the school,” he said.