Former western suburbs primary school principal accused of sexually harassing, intimidating staff
Staff from a western suburbs primary school want their former principal stripped of his teaching registration amid allegations of sexual harassment, drinking alcohol at work, and intimidating behaviour.
Staff from a western suburbs primary school are calling for their former principal to have his teaching registration suspended following allegations of workplace bullying and harassment.
Drinking alcohol at work, making sexualised comments and intimidating staff are just some of the alleged behaviours the former principal is accused of, according to five sources who have worked alongside him over the past ten years and didn’t wish to be identified in fear of their safety.
Other accusations included touching female staff members inappropriately, getting “handsy” at work functions after having a bit too much to drink and parking outside staff members’ houses at night to intimidate them.
The Herald Sun understands the state’s education regulator – the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) – is aware of the allegations and complaints have been made to the Department of Education, however the former principal continues to hold a valid teaching registration until next year.
This means the former principal – who can’t be named for legal reasons – will be allowed to work at any school until his registration expires, unless he is suspended in the meantime.
It’s also understood medical issues may be the reason behind why investigations are at a standstill.
The former school leader quietly departed from the school mid 2024, with families under the impression he had taken leave.
But sources say multiple staff witnessed the former principal being “physically taken off site” by members of the Department of Education and he hasn’t returned to the school since.
One source who worked alongside the former principal told the Herald Sun they felt “completely violated” knowing he was still a registered teacher who could set foot into a school without staff knowing about the allegations made against him.
“I’ve witnessed him making inappropriate comments towards the staff members, whispering in people’s ears, licking staff members, pulling staff members onto his lap,” they claimed.
“He is still a VIT registered teacher, and when you look at the VIT (teacher) register there’s no mention on there of an investigation.”
Another source said it was “disgusting” complaints could be put to the Department and “little was done” about it.
“If I could swear several times over the phone to you I probably would – it doesn’t sit well with me at all,” they said.
A Department of Education spokesman said “we take allegations of concerning or inappropriate behaviour by school leaders seriously and follow clear processes and procedures to investigate”.
The Herald Sun has made multiple attempts to contact the former principal for comment.
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Originally published as Former western suburbs primary school principal accused of sexually harassing, intimidating staff
