Mackillop College Werribee teacher Troy Ollis stood down after being charged with child abuse offences

An english teacher from Melbourne’s outer west charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old child in his care has been disciplined by the teaching regulator.

Mackillop College teacher Troy Ollis has been charged with alleged child abuse offences. Picture: Supplied

An english teacher from Melbourne’s outer west has been disciplined by the teaching regulator, two days after he faced court for alleged “child safety offences”.

Troy Ollis, who worked at Mackillop College in Werribee last year before he was stood down, was suspended on an interim basis by the Victorian Institute of Teaching on Friday.

Mr Ollis was arrested and charged by police earlier this month with allegedly possessing and producing child abuse material, and sexually abusing a 16-yer-old child in his care.

Appearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, Mr Ollis was dressed in a blue shirt and tan-coloured pants as he sat quietly in the public gallery behind his lawyer during the brief filing hearing.

Mr Ollis frequently looked down at his hands as his matter was discussed, and briefly stood up to speak when he was addressed by Magistrate Matthew Page.

Mr Ollis is facing charges and has been suspended by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools. Picture: Supplied

Staff were alerted to Mr Ollis’ suspension through internal school communications this week.

“It saddens me deeply to have to advise you that during the school holidays, Victoria Police arrested and charged Troy Ollis with a number of criminal offences related to child safety,” the notice said.

“Mr Ollis has been directed not to attend the workplace, and we have informed all relevant organisations who share responsibility for the care and safety of young people.”

A Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools spokeswoman said the safety and wellbeing of all students was the school’s highest priority.

“We can confirm that Victoria Police has charged a staff member from MacKillop College, Werribee, in relation to child safety offences, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities regarding this very serious matter,” she said.

Mr Ollis was charged with allegedly possessing and producing child abuse material and sexually abusing a 16-year-old child in his care. Picture: Supplied

“MACS has clear policies and procedures in place and follows all legislative and reporting requirements in responding to such issues.

“MACS acted immediately to suspend the teacher and to inform all agencies involved in the care and safety of children and young people.”

On social media, Mr Ollis has described himself as a proud father, a “film buff’ and “storyteller” who enjoys cooking.

He also considered himself to be an aspiring author.

Mr Ollis has been contacted for comment.

He will reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in May.