St Therese’s School Essendon teacher Ciara Browne suspended by educator regulator

A female primary school teacher has been stood down after allegations emerged about her behaviour outside of work, prompting The Victorian Institute of Teaching to investigate.

A St Therese's Primary School Essendon teacher has been suspended by the regulator.

A northwestern primary school teacher has become the sixth educator to be suspended by the teaching regulator this year. 

St Therese’s School Essendon teacher Ciara Browne was suspended on an interim basis on Thursday by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), after allegations emerged prompting an investigation.

Principal Michael Di Nuzzo addressed Ms Browne’s suspension in a letter sent to parents. 

“As principal of St Therese’s, it is important that I keep you informed about matters concerning our school community,” he said.

“I am writing to inform you that the Victorian Institute of Teaching has today suspended on an interim basis the registration of one of our school teachers, Ciara Browne.

“We take every incident in which the VIT suspends a teacher’s registration very seriously, and we are working with the relevant authorities to fully support their investigation.”

A northwestern primary school teacher has become the sixth educator to be suspended by the teaching regulator this year. Picture: file image

Mr Di Nuzzo told parents it was understood the allegations made against Ms Browne did not relate to her employment as a teacher.

“Nonetheless, if you have any queries about our child protection policies and procedures, or if this letter raises any concerns for you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly,” he said.

“We will continue to work to ensure our school remains the safe and secure environment for learning that is so important to us.” 

One parent at the school said the news of Ms Browne’s suspensions has “shocked” the community.

Ms Browne’s suspension follows five other suspensions made by the teacher watchdog this year.

The VIT may suspend a teacher on an interim basis if it believes the educator poses an unacceptable risk of harm to children and a suspension is necessary to protect children.

Circumstances that may impact a teacher’s suitability to teach include being charged with a criminal offence, being the subject of a disciplinary investigation or breaching conditions on their working with children check.

Originally published as St Therese’s School Essendon teacher Ciara Browne suspended by educator regulator