Take your favourite podcasts and radio with you, Coles announces massive profit amid cost-of-living crisis, Country faces tough economic choices as population ages, PM apologises to Vietnam vets on 50 year anniversary, Jobless rate up easing fears of another rate hike. But he was re-hired in . Published: 12h agoTue 22 Aug 2023 at 7:30am/with Samantha Donovan, Published: YesterdayMon 21 Aug 2023 at 7:30am/with Samantha Donovan, Published: FriFri 18 Aug 2023 at 7:30am/with Samantha Donovan, Published: ThuThu 17 Aug 2023 at 7:30am/with Samantha Donovan. In the video above, smart watches and laptops banned from Sydney school, Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>. Mr Leeds LinkedIn page was inactive on Thursday night. Geelong Grammar school failed its students who suffered horrendous sexual abuse, its principal says. Sloan advised members of the school community of the decision to rescind the appointment of Leeds and adding that a new search would commence immediately. In its statement, Shore defended Mr Leeds, saying he had consistently denied the complaint of misconduct from his tenure at Geelong Grammar. All rights reserved. ", "'I felt they treated me as if this was my fault'". In this case, it was the [schools] decision to take up this option and that the chairmans duty in this regard would be delegated with Debra Stirling as the lead.. Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. The Commission has heard how John Lewis received reports that three teachers sexually abused children during his years in charge from 1980 to 1994. The commission heard Geelong Grammar did not disclose all it knew about BIM in the settlement negotiations, including that it had information that he was a convicted pedophile and that he was sacked in 1974 for dropping his pants in class but was re-employed in 1980 as an emergency teacher. withdraw the appointment of its new principal. Former principal John Lewis, later Princes William and Harry's headmaster at England's elite Eton College, admits some former students may have found Geelong Grammar's approach to sex abuse allegations intimidating or even puzzling. Octogenarian corporate raider Peter Yunghanns has been leading the charge against Scotch council, calling for the resignation of school chairman Alex Sloan, though conceding in one fiery letter that I have no direct knowledge of the chairmans previous business experience. In a media statement, Ms Cody said Geelong Grammar was not privy to any findings or outcomes related to the new investigation. Scotch College terminated the employment of Matthew Leeds, who was set to start at the Hawthorn private school this year. Scotch defends extensive background checks on sacked principal. Deputy Head of Campus Timbertop is a unique place. Councillors have made a decision on planning permit for a retirement village in Torquay, which residents have passionately protested, in an unprecedented outcome. The new principal of Scotch College has been sacked before the first day of the teaching year due to allegations of misconduct from his previous employment at Geelong Grammar. DAVID LLOYD: By this time September 1991 it must have been clear to you that there was a very significant problem that you faced at the school in relation to the relationships between some of the staff and some of the students which demanded action. When a former Geelong Grammar School student reported that a teacher had sexually abused him when he was nine-years-old, the school played dumb - which would later come back to haunt them. Hawkes also told the royal commission he wasnt aware of his responsibility to report another sexual assault on one of his students to police while he was a housemaster at Knox Grammar in 1988. Geelong Grammar head tells inquiry school failed to protect its The decision of Victorias oldest continuing secondary school, Scotch College, to withdraw the appointment of its new principal just months from his commencement raises important questions of governance and probity relevant to the entire independent school sector. Geelong Grammar charges some of the highest fees in Australia but the young woman said the school did "nothing definitive" to help her. Your web browser is no longer supported. The commission heard BIM was moved from the Corio campus to the junior Glamorgan after exposing himself to a class, and there were later rumours he was convicted for paedophilia. Matthew Leeds used to work at Geelong Grammar School.Credit: Vince Caligiuri, After Mr Leeds appointment was announced late last year, Scotch received information from a whistleblower involving allegations of misconduct. Were working to restore it. Rebecca is a Foundation Board Member. One of the convicted offenders had admitted to abusing 40 students. Rick Goodman / Updated 09.10.2019 A female student at an elite Victorian private school has alleged she was sexually assaulted in a study room by a male student. The commission has heard student BKM and his mother BIA complained to Mr Lewis that teacher Jonathan Harvey - later convicted for abusing another student in the 1970s - tried to have sex with the boy in 1982, an allegation denied by Mr Harvey. Principal Ms Cody said the school assisted police and the internal investigation continues. The school's main campus is located in Corio on the northern outskirts of Geelong, Victoria, Australia, overlooking Corio Bay and Limeburners Bay . Cameron Rahles-Rahbula has been found guilty of covertly filming a female student he was treating at Geelong Grammar School. Ms Cody also questioned the motivation of people who would raise "profoundly private matters involving young and vulnerable people" in the public arena. A former principal of Geelong Grammar has denied that he failed to protect students under his care at the school between 1980 and 1994. The allegations levelled against Mr Leeds were investigated in 2018 and he was cleared. No winners from Scotch College principal debacle. Shore is reviewing the circumstances behind Scotch Colleges decision to terminate Matt Leeds appointment as principal, she said. When he investigated he found former Corio Master Alby Twiggs recommendation that Harvey be sacked and more allegations against Harvey that werent in his file. "It would not be an automatic assumption that matters would go to the police," he said. Followed categories will be added to My News. John Lewis (headmaster) John Elliot Lewis (born 23 February 1942) was the Head Master of Eton College from 1994 to 2002. Please call us on 1800 070 535 and well help resolve the issue or try again later. Any Questions? Shocking new figures reveal the number of sexual misconduct complaints in elite schools has soared. The chairman said the school decided to let go of Mr Leeds even though he denied the allegations. Scotch is believed to have been contacted by a whistleblower with new information, which prompted their investigation. Principal's Welcome | Geelong Grammar School | Our School Welcome to Geelong Grammar School A pioneering school that provides exceptional learning opportunities built on real-world experiences and genuine human connections. "I think that parents in large measure expected the school to deal with disciplinary matters.". In 2007, when Crawford was Scotch College chairman, Sloan joined the school council. Aptly, Scotch College blames the hired help - Financial Review Geelong Grammar School - Wikipedia Principal Geelong Grammar School Apr 2018 - Present5 years 5 months Principal Methodist Ladies' College Sep 2009 - Dec 20178 years 4 months Claremont WA The 18-year-old female alleges the boy forced her to perform oral sex on him in a private study room at the school's Corio campus in August. GGS acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands that are used by the School, including the Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri and Taungurung people. This was incorrect. Jailed paedophile David Whitcroft 'massaged boys' at Geelong College theage.com.au. Context is crucial and given the sensitivity of such matters, very few people are privy to critical details concerning both parties," she said. Mr Leeds appointment at Scotch College was announced with much fanfare in November, with the school chairman describing the incoming principal as someone with a passion for boys education and exceptional personal qualities. It is understood an inquiry at the time cleared Mr Leeds of wrongdoing, a position he continues to defend. "Unhelpful chatter may give rise to a gross misrepresentation of the facts.". I do understand that although I was being pragmatic and trying to achieve the victims wishes that some of that language just isnt good enough, he said. Matthew Leeds, who was set to start at the Hawthorn private school this year, had his contract terminated after a whistleblower raised allegations about his actions at previous employer Geelong Grammar. Former Geelong Grammar principal Nicholas Sampson, now the headmaster of Sydney's . Since January, Yunghanns correspondence with Scotch council members has been shared enthusiastically around the old boys network. Geelong Grammar didn't disclose knowledge of teacher - 9News There were some very few instances and the precise information about what had occurred was in some of those instances disputed. Sources familiar with the matter said the initial allegations were investigated by Geelong Grammar under former principal Stephen Meek, which was completed in early 2018. A FORMER principal of Geelong Grammar has admitted paying $65,000 to a teacher who resigned under a cloud of abuse claims. But Principal Rebecca Cody says the school helped police and offered support to both students, adding that "unhelpful chatter" about such private matters can be harmful. Well, Sloan was chief executive 20 years ago of distressed dairy co-op Bonlac, which was ultimately acquired by Fonterra after Sloans departure. To upgrade, call 1300 MY NEWS (696 397), Payment every 4 weeks for the first 12 weeks, Subscriber-exclusive news emails straight to your inbox. A valid active email address and Australian mobile phone number are required for account set up. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. We take a look at recent scandals in private and public schools, of all varieties. Mr Leeds was employed at Geelong Grammar, Victorias most expensive private school, from 2013 to early 2019, and then became deputy head of academics at Shore. It is understood no allegation of sexual abuse against a child has been levelled against Mr Leeds. The precise nature of the allegation remains a mystery. Mr Sampson said he understood from the teacher that the brother was reluctant to come forward but didnt want Harvey to have access to children. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. She is a current parent and an ex-officio member of the Council. The prestigious school paid teacher Jonathan Harvey his $64,348 salary for 2005 despite him not working that year. Documents tendered to the commission show the school believed BIR's civil claim was "not strong" legally because of the time that had elapsed since the alleged incident, which occurred outside school hours and property. Counsel assisting the Royal Commission David Lloyd. Matthew Leeds, selected by the 17-member Scotch College Council to be its next principal, was advised late last week that his prestigious appointment would not proceed following revelations of alleged misconduct in a previous role at Geelong Grammar School in 2018. Sampson said the alleged victim wanted the maths teacher out of the school, but also wanted the matter to remain confidential. live, learn and work. Former Geelong Grammar principal admits teacher got $65K payout Former Geelong Grammar principal weighed chance of prosecution in abuse claims, Geelong Grammar should repay abuse victims' school fees, inquiry hears, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. No cancellations during the first 12 months. SAMANTHA DONOVAN: John Lewis left Geelong Grammar in 1994 to become the headmaster of Eton College where his students included Princes William and Harry. DAVID LLOYD: You were subsuming in your mind the role of the police and the jury before you even put the matter into the hands of the police. Unprecedented call made on divisive Cypress Lane development, Two key Viva Energy projects face major delays. . In a statement to the Scotch community, school chairman Alex Sloan said the whistleblower allegations included matters concerning the maintenance of proper professional standards and boundaries. In January, Scotch College council sacked its new principal, Matthew Leeds, before he'd even started, having learnt of a 2017 complaint against him by a student at Geelong Grammar, where he. This is astounding given the fundamental right of a prospective employer to know all that can be known about a candidate especially for a leadership role and obligations on the candidate to tell all that can be told. Reputation is central to the effective operation of all schools but especially in the private sector where school fees are astronomical and where choice remains open to parents and students. Geelong College principal Andrew Barr resigns over pornography (modern). Credit: Getty Images The 39-year-old had argued he must have . The school was relocated to Macedon, near Hanging Rock in 1919. Please try again later. It takes trust and commitment to gift us the privilege of educating your child; thank you for considering to partner with us. Our primary concern at this time is for the privacy and wellbeing of any of our families directly affected by these matters and ensuring proper processes are followed, she said. A spokeswoman said two comprehensive investigations into the complaint conducted by Geelong Grammar and the Victorian Institute of Teachers found it to be unsubstantiated. Two of the staff were later convicted and jailed for offences against students, a third committed suicide after he was sacked by Mr Lewis. As a Principal, Rebecca frames her responsibilities in terms of Chief Educator, Learner, Strategist, Coach and Ambassador. SAMANTHA DONOVAN: The royal commission has heard that in the 14 years John Lewis was the principal of Geelong Grammar he received reports three staff members had sexually abused students. Scotch College principal Matt Leeds sacked after - Geelong Advertiser The prestigious Victorian school knew about the conduct of boarding house assistant . We have a strong culture of inclusivity at Geelong Grammar, and genuinely want all our learners to feel a sense of belonging and confidence to open their hearts and minds to the myriad of adventurous, positive, and creative opportunities available. "The school has offered support to both individuals involved and their families during the investigation process," she said in a statement. Sampson admitted his investigation of BLW brothers complaint was fairly cursory and said Harvey denied the allegation when confronted. If this story has raised any issues for you, we recommend you contact the following services: Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636. The commission has heard Sampson suggested it would be sensible for the teacher to retire early, and that it was possible that would avoid a formal complaint. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. It is understood no allegation of sexual abuse against a child has been levelled against Mr Leeds. No winners from Scotch College principal debacle - The Age Nicholas Sampson told the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Geelong Grammar case study that he thought he was acting in the best interests of the victim when he told Jonathan Harvey if he resigned a formal complaint may not be made. These basic standards are all the more important in the context of a school appointment. "You don't want to idly, loosely, provoke a hornet's nest until you are much surer of your ground," he said. "It was determined that no further police action was required," Victoria Police said in a statement. Dark tales continue to emerge from Geelong Grammar In a flurry of notes late last week from Scotch Council chairperson, Alex Sloan, one referenced a "whistleblower" coming forward with information relating to Leeds' time at Geelong Grammar . Scotch College terminated the employment of Matthew Leeds, who was set to start at the Hawthorn private school this year. theage.com.au: Former Geelong College teacher a convicted - Newstral Sources close to the matter said the original allegations were the subject of an investigation by Geelong Grammar under the former Principal, Stephen Meek, which concluded in early 2018. Sloan stepped down in 2014 but returned in 2019 and assumed the chair in December 2020 (an appointment forecast by this column in February 2020). The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. The teacher had been sacked in 1974 following further allegations of sexual abuse involving students. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Coordinates: 372147S 1443432E. First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we Credit: Joe Armao. Sign up to get our new Explainer newsletter here. "They just dont care, and have seemingly swept it under the rug.". Mr Lewis also did not go to police about teacher Andrew MacCulloch, and said he could not remember being told the teacher had masturbated a student in 1986.