Father demands answers after Ballarat High teacher allegedly pulled out his daughter’s hair for not concentrating in class

The parent of a Ballarat High School student is considering legal action after a senior teacher allegedly pulled out his daughter’s hair in front of dozens of students.

The parent of a Ballarat High School student is demanding answers after his daughter’s hair was allegedly pulled by a senior teacher.

The parent of a Ballarat High School student who allegedly had her hair pulled by a senior teacher is considering legal action against the Department of Education, with police now probing the incident.

The Herald Sun can reveal the 15-year-old student had her hair pulled out during the shocking alleged attack in the classroom in front of dozens of students on June 27 last year.

The girl’s father has alleged the incident caused his daughter “ongoing trauma”, saying his complaints to the Department had fallen on deaf ears.

The girl’s father has alleged the incident caused his daughter “ongoing trauma”, saying his complaints to the Department had fallen on deaf ears. Picture: Supplied

It’s alleged the incident occurred after the student was caught playing with ribbons instead of watching a war film the teacher had put on for the class.

“It was a shocking attack in front of her classmates,” the distraught father said.

“She wasn’t disrupting anyone as she was simply playing with ribbons and the teacher pulled her hair so hard that some of it actually came out.”

The father said the school and Department of Education had offered “no support” following the incident.

“I’m absolutely furious as there hasn’t been a single apology from the school or the Department of Education,” he said.

“My daughter has been left with ongoing trauma since the incident and there has been a lack of communication on what action is being taken against the teacher.

“This caused even more stress for my daughter as she feels extremely worried about the teacher coming back to the school.

“I need reassurance that my daughter’s safety and the safety of other students is being taken seriously.”

The girl’s father has alleged the incident caused his daughter “ongoing trauma”. Picture: Supplied

In an email sent to the girl’s father, and seen by the Herald Sun, Ballarat High School principal Stephan Fields said the teacher had not been at school since the end of term two last year, and “has made the decision to take further leave for the whole of term one”.

Mr Fields said he was investigating the allegations in line with the Department of Education’s processes.

“In the last week of Term 4 2024, I was able to provide (the teacher) with a letter that outlined my concerns regarding the allegation of assault against your daughter that occurred in Term 2 2024,” he said.

“(The teacher) has provided his response to the allegations made against him via email and, in close consultation with the Conduct and Integrity Division, I have now determined whether the complaint has substance.”

Mr Fields said he would issue the teacher with a formal letter outlining his decision following his investigation into the allegations.

But what’s delaying the process is the teacher’s absence from the school.

“I have been advised that I am unable to finalise this process until a time when (the teacher) has returned to school,” Mr Fields said.

It’s alleged the incident occurred after the student was caught playing with ribbons instead of watching a war film the teacher had put on for the class. Picture: Supplied

Shine Lawyers abuse law senior associate Alyssa Lewis, who is representing the student’s father, said this was an “incredibly traumatic attack” on a young girl in a classroom.

“It happened in front of dozens of other students who are no doubt also traumatised by what they witnessed,” Ms Lewis said.

“As we sadly see all too often though, the trauma of the initial incident has been compounded by the lack of action, transparency and accountability from those in positions of authority.

“Our client and his daughter are still in the dark about what, if any, investigation was done, or if there were any repercussions for what took place.

“It’s imperative the school and Education Department investigate this incident thoroughly.

“I’d urge them to be transparent about the steps being taken in that investigation and its final outcome.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said Ballarat Police received a report following an assault at the school on June 27 last year.

“The investigation remains ongoing,” she said.

A Department of Education spokesman said the safety of students was its number one priority.

Originally published as Father demands answers after Ballarat High teacher allegedly pulled out his daughter’s hair for not concentrating in class