A Geelong principal says there was a “betrayal of trust” after a former teacher pleaded guilty to sexual abuse charges.
Luke Joseph Martin, 41, faced Geelong County Court on July 25 over seven counts of sexually penetrating a child aged 16 or 17, as well as charges of being involved in the production of child abuse material and viewing child abuse material.
In a letter to the school community, seen by the Geelong Advertiser, principal Davin Reid said the matter was distressing and would affect people in different ways.
“As principal, I am deeply saddened by the fact that this has happened in our school community and that a former teacher has betrayed our trust and breached child safety obligations,” Mr Reid said.
“In light of this incident, we are working with the Department of Education to complete a comprehensive review of our child safety strategies, policies and practices.
Luke Joseph Martin pleaded guilty to sexual offences against a 16-year-old girl. Picture: Supplied
“I welcome your feedback and ideas in relation to this review of our child safety framework at Geelong High School.”
Mr Reid said once the review had taken place the policies and procedures would be sent out for feedback before finalisation.
He also vowed to update families on the progress of the review.
A Department of Education spokesman said ensuring students were safe and supported at school was the department’s most important concern, with all allegations of inappropriate behaviour from teachers very seriously.
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“No child should suffer the harrowing, devastating impacts of sexual abuse and we are making sure counselling and wellbeing support is available to all students and staff,” the spokesman said.
Martin is no longer employed by the department after police notified the school of allegations against him.
According to the Victorian Institute of Teaching’s Register of Disciplinary Action, Martin’s registration was suspended from June 10, 2022.
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The VIT will continue to monitor the criminal proceedings against Martin and once finalised will take action in line with its requirements.
A Commission for Children and Young People spokesman said sexual abuse charges against teachers were particularly concerning because of the often lifelong harm against children.
“Abuse can have devastating long-term impacts on children, and schools need to be alert and responsive to any abuse allegations to ensure they act to prioritise children’s safety,” they said.
“Child safety in schools is vital given children spend a lot of time at school, and parents and carers place their trust in schools as safe places.
“Parents and carers have a right to ask any organisation what measures they are taking to ensure that children are safe.”
The spokesman said in 2021–22, 38 per cent (306) of allegations notified to the Commission in the education sector were related to sexual misconduct and a further 6 per cent (46) related to sexual offences.
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