St Patrick’s deputy principal quits for ‘health reasons’ following secret probe

St Patrick’s College deputy principal Richard Brodrick has resigned from the Ballarat school in the wake of an investigation into his handling of allegations of child sexual assault.

Embattled St Patrick’s College deputy principal Richard Brodrick has resigned. Picture: Supplied

A deputy principal under investigation for his handling of a child sexual assault allegation has resigned for “health reasons”.

The St Patrick’s College Ballarat teacher, Richard Brodrick, was stood down last August on full pay while under investigation by the Commission for Children and Young People.

Mr Brodrick was alleged to have failed to properly follow up an allegation of sexual misconduct by one boy against another and had a verbal altercation with a student.

The accusations were strongly denied by Mr Brodrick.

Mr Brodrick has resigned, citing ‘health reasons’.

In a letter to the school community on September 17, he was given a glowing send-off by principal Steven O’Connor and thanked for his “contribution to the college during his time as deputy principal” and for his 20 years of service to St Joseph’s College Geelong.

The Herald Sun understands the confidential investigation has concluded and the matters do not require any further investigation.

No public statements have been made about the outcome of the investigation or its findings.

Although the school, which is the alma mater of controversial Catholic figure George Pell, is more settled than in past years, a number of staff have expressed concern to the Herald Sun about the autocratic leadership style of Mr O’Connor.

Principal Steven O’Connor gave Mr Brodrick a glowing send-off.

It comes amid an alarming incident at the school in early September, when a year seven student was seriously assaulted by a year nine student, with the injuries severe enough to require hospital admission.

Students filmed the incident and shared it on social media, despite close supervision by staff in the playground and toilet blocks.

A letter from the school to parents said an investigation had been launched and students from years seven to 10 were reminded of the school’s strong stance against violence.

“This is not only incredibly upsetting, but also deeply out of alignment with who we are as a community and the care we have for our boys at St Pat’s,” the letter said.

“It is our mission to ensure that in every interaction, and in every space, students feel safe,” the letter from Mr O’Connor said.

Mr Brodrick’s role has been divided into two, with acting deputy principal Carol Roberts taking on responsibility for academic culture. St Patrick’s College is now advertising for a deputy principal community.