Melbourne Girls' Grammar: Teacher at elite girls’ school dies

The death of Melbourne Girls’ Grammar teacher David Simpson has sent “shockwaves” through the school community after the school reported child safety issues to police.

A Melbourne Girls’ Grammar teacher has died. Picture: Ellen Smith

An elite Melbourne girls’ school is reeling following the sudden death of one of their teachers after child safety issues were reported to police.

The Herald Sun can reveal David Simpson, who was the director of learning enhancement and support at Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School, can be identified as the teacher who died.

It comes after it was revealed the staff member at the elite South Yarra school had been the subject of mandatory reporting and child safety procedures.

Victoria Police had given the school directions in relation to Mr Simpson.

His death was announced to families on Friday.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Simpson previously worked at Haileybury College as the school’s head of science for almost six years.

He also held positions as the head of middle school at Tintern Grammar and as a classroom teacher at St Helena Secondary College.

Melbourne Girls' Grammar School teacher David Simpson has died after a child safety complaint was made. Picture: Supplied

“I am passionate about working with and through others to develop professional learning communities that are focused on continuous improvement – for the benefit of school networks, individual schools, educators and students,” Mr Simpson wrote on LinkedIn.

A Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School school teacher told the Herald Sun Mr Simpson’s death had sent “shockwaves” through the school community.

“We are all in utter shock,” the teacher said.

“This kind of thing sends shockwaves throughout the whole school community.

“The school has been offering support and counselling to staff and students.”

In a statement to the Herald Sun on Monday, the school said: “In recent days the school learnt about an alleged child safety issue. The school’s staff followed the Child Safety and Mandatory Reporting Procedures.

“As a school our priorities are focused on the safety and wellbeing of our students and community. We will always act in the best interests of the children in our care.”

The school said it had reported its concerns to police and took directions from them in relation to the matter.

“It would be inappropriate to discuss this,” the statement said.

The school added: “An announcement to the staff and families of the school was made on Friday, August 18 regarding the death of a staff member. We are respecting the family at this time”.

The school is one Melbourne’s top girls’ schools, with year 12 fees of almost $40,000.