Trinity Grammar School in Kew Reveals Sex Charge against Former Teacher
By Lucie Morris-Marr and Cassie Zervos
AN elite Melbourne private boys boarding school has been rocked by a sex abuse scandal. Trinity Grammar School, Kew, has announced police have charged a former teacher regarding an alleged sexual offence against a former pupil. In a letter to parents headmaster Dr Michael Davies said the Anglican school were fully supporting police in their investigations against the former staff member. “The allegation has been brought by an Old Boy of Trinity who attended the school in the late 1960s,” he wrote. “He was made an offer of counselling and ongoing support and was referred to the police.” The former teacher was of long standing service to the school and has recently retired, the headmaster revealed. The scandal at the $30,000-per-year day and boarding school comes after several other prestigious private schools have been embroiled in abuse allegations in the past decade. Former Geelong Grammar School staff member Phillipe Trutmann was jailed in 2005 for abusing more than 40 boys. The Royal Commission held a public hearing earlier this year which heard of the experiences of students from the school. In July, another prestigious Melbourne school was hit with claims of historical sex abuse, months after it announced settlements with former students. Scotch College settled five historical abuse cases dating back more than 20 years, but received two more claims of sexual abuse. The head teacher of Trinity said the school was not aware of any other allegations concerning the staff member or any risk to current students. “When the allegation became known, and in following prescribed procedures and processes, and by mutual agreement, the former teacher withdrew from all activities at the school,” Dr Davies said. Dr Davies added in his letter to parents they strongly encourage other pupils to come forward who may also “feel aggrieved.” “Our greatest concern is for our students and, as ever, we prioritise their wellbeing and that of our Old Boys.” The news of the latest scandal also comes in the same week as the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse began hearings in Melbourne to concentrate on alleged abuse against children in Victoria. Today the inquiry heard 450 people have made sexual abuse claims or substantiated complaints against Archdiocese of Melbourne priests, employees or volunteers since 1980. Contact: lucie.morrismarr@news.com.au
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