Salesian College music teacher suspended by Victorian Institute of Teaching
A music teacher at Catholic boys’ school Salesian College in Melbourne’s southeast has been suspended by the state’s teaching regulator.
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A music teacher at an all boys secondary school in Melbourne’s southeast has been suspended by the state’s teaching regulator.
Melissa Adela, an instrumental teacher at Salesian College in Chadstone, was suspended on an interim basis by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) on December 22.
Ms Adela had worked at the Catholic school since 2015.
But a Salesian spokeswoman confirmed she no longer worked there.
The VIT can suspend registered teachers and teaching staff temporarily while investigations are carried out.
She is pictured in several publications that have been released by the school, including at least two annual yearbooks which detail her role as a piano teacher in 2019 and 2021.
In a letter to parents sent on the same day Ms Adela was suspended, Salesian College principal Mark Ashmore and school board chair Stephen Moloney said she had not worked at Salesian since August last year, when an external investigation began.
“In August, upon becoming aware of the matters giving rise to this suspension, the college immediately directed Ms Adela not to attend the workplace,” the letter said.
“The outcome of this investigation is pending and the college has, and continues to, comply with all legislative and regulatory obligations in relation to this matter.
“The college remains committed to providing a safe environment for all students and staff in its care, with the ongoing offer of support for all.”
Mr Ashmore and Mr Moloney said further details about Ms Adela’s suspension could not be shared at this time.
Ms Adela’s social media accounts document her love for music, with several posts showing her surrounded by sheet music, a violin and a guitar.
It comes after Damian Woods, a music teacher at Ballarat High School, was stood down on January 24 after 25 years in the role over child sex and grooming charges.
The Herald Sun is not suggesting Ms Adela has been charged with a criminal offence.
Five teachers have been suspended so far in 2023.
Last year, the VIT suspended more than 45 Victorian teaching staff.
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