Past Hutchins School student claims he was sexually abused by former school chaplain

A past student of a Hobart school has come forward with claims he was sexually abused by a former school chaplain, with the headmaster issuing a letter to parents. READ THE LETTER >>

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A former student of The Hutchins School has come forward with claims he was sexually abused by a former school chaplain.

A letter to parents from headmaster Rob McEwan confirms Hutchins received “a Supreme Court writ” with the former student claiming damages for the alleged historic sexual abuse.

“Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime and the school takes all matters of alleged sexual abuse very seriously,” Dr McEwan said.

The Hutchins School.

“Upon receipt of the writ the school reported the allegations immediately to Tasmania Police. The school had no previous knowledge of this claim.

“While we aim for openness and transparency in our communications, the claim is yet to be investigated and as such I am unable to provide any additional information other than that we understand the then chaplain strongly denies all allegations.”

Mr McEwan assured the community the safety and protection of all students was their highest priority, with the school is accredited as a Safeguarding Children school.

“To ensure we maintain the highest standard of protection for the students in our care, all staff undertake mandatory training with the Australian Childhood Foundation around seven key child safety standards,” the headmaster said.

The Hutchins School headmaster Rob McEwan. Photo: The Hutchins School

“We have rigorous processes in place relating to the recruitment of staff, complaints procedures, external auditing and ongoing education programs at all levels.

“I reiterate, child safety at The Hutchins School is paramount and if this matter raises any concerns for you or your son, please contact your son’s Head of School or our School Counsellors who are always available to support your family …”

A spokeswoman from The Hutchins School said “the School is unable to make further comment beyond what is stated in the letter to families”.

The full letter:

Dear Parents and Carers,

The Hutchins School has received a Supreme Court writ issued by a former student claiming damages for sexual abuse by a previous School Chaplain [some years ago].

Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime and the school takes all matters of alleged sexual abuse very seriously. Upon receipt of the writ the school reported the allegations immediately to Tasmania Police. The school had no previous knowledge of this claim.

While we aim for openness and transparency in our communications, the claim is yet to be investigated and as such I am unable to provide any additional information other than that we understand the then chaplain strongly denies all allegations.

I assure our community that the safety and protection of all students is our highest priority and the school is accredited as a Safeguarding Children school.

To ensure we maintain the highest standard of protection for the students in our care, all staff undertake mandatory training with the Australian Childhool Foundation around seven key child safety standards. We have rigorous processes in place relating to the recruitment of staff, complaints procedures, external auditing and ongoing education programs at all levels.

I reiterate, child safety at The Hutchins School is paramount and if this matter raises any concerns for you or your son, please contact your son’s Head of School or our School Counsellors who are always available to support your family …

Yours sincerely,

Dr Rob McEwan

Headmaster