New allegations emerge in elite private school abuse case
A law firm has launched legal action over historical claims a female teacher allegedly groomed and sexually abused a student at one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious private schools.
A former St Hilda’s School student alleges she was repeatedly groomed and sexually abused by a staff member while she was a boarding student at the elite private school in Southport in the late 1980s, according to the law firm representing her.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers have lodged a claim with the Brisbane Supreme Court on behalf of their client and is continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward before proceedings can progress further, including to a potential trial.
Several witnesses have reportedly come forward since the firm made an appeal on Monday.
It comes as the Gold Coast Bulletin revealed the law firm had launched an investigation into alleged historic child abuse at the school in the late 1980s.
Maurice Blackburn associate Sarah Borrows said: “As part of our investigations into this case, we are appealing for anyone who might have information about alleged abuse at St Hilda’s or by staff from St Hilda’s to get in touch.”
The Bulletin can now detail the claims included alleged grooming that subsequently led to sexual abuse allegedly committed by a female teacher on school grounds during a 12-month period in the late 1980s.
Senior associate and head of the firm’s abuse law practice in Queensland Heather Kerley said: “Our client alleges there were repeated acts of grooming and sexual abuse that occurred at the school – that that was allegedly perpetrated by a staff member at the school, (and) that occurred while our client was a boarding student at the school over approximately a 12-month period”.
Ms Kerley said several witnesses had come forward since Monday’s appeal.
“We’ve just received another witness reach out to us ... with other conduct of interest.”
Ms Kerley said the case was still in its early stages and more witnesses were needed.
“Generally, we find when we do these notices, it takes a little while for it to really circulate and for people to feel courageous to contact us.”
Ms Kerley said the firm wanted to hear from former students, staff or parents from the 1980s, or anyone with information about the school’s culture during that period – whether positive or negative.
“If they had a great experience, that’s helpful for us, if they didn’t have a great experience, that’s also helpful for us to know so we can be thorough in our investigation.”
She said witness information wasn’t limited to direct knowledge of abuse.
“It may be information such as what systems were in place at the relevant institution at the time for reporting abuse, what training was provided to staff, what education was provided to students about appropriate relationships, particularly with staff members, and all of that information can help fill in pieces of our puzzle.”
A St Hilda’s School spokesperson on Monday said the school took any suggestion of historic abuse extremely seriously.
“St Hilda’s School remains committed to providing a safe environment, where all students receive the highest standard of care and support at all times,” the spokesperson said.
In an email to the school community sent Monday morning, principal Virginia Warner said: “I assure you that St Hilda’s School will respond in line with our values and in the right channels,” she wrote.
Mrs Warner told parents that for schools owned by the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, redress regarding historical abuse was managed by a specialist team.
More Coverage
Originally published as New allegations emerge in elite private school abuse case
Holiday deadzone: Why businesses fail and how to avoid it
Magistrate’s spray for man who left dogs in hot car at Surfers
Man’s alleged houseboat booze cruise ends in crash
‘A little bit of magic’: Santas take to the water
Police investigate alleged thefts on the Gold Coast
