Fintona Girls’ School deputy principal under investigation

A probe into the top school’s deputy principal has been launched after students alleged “physical contact” made them “feel uncomfortable”.

Fintona Girls' School.

The Fintona Girls’ School deputy principal accused of “non-sexual physical conduct” with female students is on leave and under investigation.

The Herald Sun reported on Tuesday that touching of students by the school’s deputy head Sarah Carter was among a raft of complaints from teachers being probed by the Independent Education Union.

The school told parents that an independent investigation has been initiated after two year 11 students emailed principal Rachel Falloon to express concern about Ms Carter’s interaction with students.

They came forward after the Herald Sun’s revelations about Ms Carter.

“For clarity, the concerns include non-sexual physical contact which has made some students feel uncomfortable,” Ms Falloon and Chair of the school’s board Jackie Besley wrote.

“Ms Carter and the School have decided that it is best that she take a period of leave until any investigations are complete. We are fully committed to treating the concerns which have been raised seriously, and also minimising any distraction for the student cohort,” they wrote.

A parent has also claimed the school was advised about Ms Carter’s behaviour as far back as 2019, but nothing was done.

Claims that Ms Carter was overly physically familiar with the girls - but not in a sexual way - were raised in student surveys at least three years ago, a parent said.

“She’s very handsy, she puts her hands on shoulders, hands on their heads. It’s too hands-on and leaves the girls feeling uncomfortable,” the parent said.

“The girls were told to complain to Sarah Carter herself but did not feel they could, but the results went to the school as part of the survey,” he said.

The parent has also accused Ms Falloon of berating his daughter – who has mental health and learning difficulties - in front of the class for not doing her maths homework.

He said the school had failed his daughter in terms of their duty of care to provide a suitable education because it had an inadequate process for dealing with her learning difficulties and mental health issues.

“We were shunted from one person to another and she was treated like she didn’t work hard enough,” he said.

“Despite knowing she was struggling, she was always treated like she needed to work harder.

“We were ignored and stonewalled and the school psychologist has no directive over the academic programs.”

A spokeswoman said the school “is inclusive and supports students with a variety of backgrounds and needs, and has a wellbeing team committed to providing counselling and pastoral support”.

Other actions at the school as a result of the Herald Sun story include a subcommittee to support the principal on staffing and student matters, meetings with students at each year levels, meetings with students and families who have raised concerns and counselling available for staff and students.

The letter to parents also noted that: “The School’s focus at this time is on ensuring the integrity of this investigation, including by providing procedural fairness to those directly affected, and ensuring that the care, safety and welfare of students is at the forefront of all decision-making.

“To reflect the sensitivity of this matter, and the privacy of those involved, it is not appropriate for the School to provide running updates on the status of any investigation. However, we remain committed to being transparent. Information about investigation outcomes, and other matters reported in the media, will be shared first with those directly affected and then with the school community as appropriate,” Ms Falloon and Ms Besley wrote.