Shock claims Eastside Lutheran College staffer ‘restrained’ 8yo girl

A prominent Tasmanian independent college is under investigation by a national education body after a former employee – the principal’s son-in-law – allegedly “restrained” an 8yo student.

Eastside Lutheran College principal Wendy Ruback.

A PROMINENT independent college on Hobart’s Eastern Shore is under investigation by a national education body after a former employee – the principal’s son-in-law – allegedly “restrained” an eight-year-old student.

Eastside Lutheran College, a kindergarten to Year 12 co-ed school at Warrane with more than 400 students, is being investigated by Lutheran Education Victoria, NSW & TAS (LEVNT).

It comes as 19 staff members left the school last year, with a further nine resigning this year, a source from independent Education Union Victoria Tasmania said.

The former staff member at the centre of the alleged incident is Nathan James Castle,

the son-in-law of the school’s principal, Wendy Ruback. He is married to Kate Castle, Ms Ruback’s daughter and the school’s director of teaching and learning.

Mr Castle was employed at the school as a teacher’s assistant. It is understood he is currently studying education.

Eastside Lutheran College principal Wendy Ruback said the school was cooperating with investigators in relation to the claims. Picture: Chris Kidd

On May 25, Mr Castle was assigned to accompany a Year 2 female student with learning challenges.

The Mercury can reveal that following the incident, Mr Castle had his Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) card suspended.

He is currently not working at the school, LEVNT say.

LEVNT executive director Julian Denholm confirmed the incident in a written statement.

“An incident occurred where a teacher assistant allegedly restrained a student. This was reported to the appropriate authority and an investigation is ongoing,” Mr Denholm said.

“The college has acted promptly and appropriately to protect the wellbeing of students and staff in this matter.

“The staff member has had their WWVP suspended pending the outcome of the investigation and is currently not working at the college.”

Images for Eastside Lutheran College School. Picture: News Corp

Mr Denholm said the college was co-operating with the investigation.

Ms Ruback told the Mercury as the situation involved a family member, it was “difficult personally”.

“It is difficult personally to have these allegations made against a family member, but I trust the process which has been put in place and am confident that the outcome will be fair and just,” Ms Ruback said.

Ms Ruback said she and Ms Castle were taking leave “to let the process run its course”.

“All of my staff work very hard and are a magnificent team of caring professionals. I trust them implicitly and know they will continue to uphold the ethics and values that make ELC a very special place,” she said.

Eastside Lutheran College at Warrane, Hobart. Picture: Google

“The college takes its responsibilities towards the care of children very seriously.”

Ms Ruback said an independent investigator assigned to LEVNT would report the findings to the organisation’s director of education.

She said one teacher had applied for workers’ compensation and another had resigned following the incident.

When asked about departures from staff at the school, Ms Ruback said staff had left “for a variety of reasons”.

“The College always has the best interests of the students where staffing is concerned,” she said.

Tasmania Police confirmed they attended the incident but no charges were laid.