source : the age
A teacher at Melbourne’s prestigious Methodist Ladies’ College has been charged with the sexual assault of a student.
In an email to parents on Monday evening, the school said police had notified it that Kam Kenny-Jones, a teacher at the school until just weeks ago, had been charged at the weekend with three counts of sexual assault of a child under 17.
The 32-year-old man was arrested on Friday, after his Thornbury home was searched, Victoria Police confirmed.
The alleged assault took place in July at Mont Albert, police said in a statement.
MLC principal Julia O’Shea said the news was confronting and unsettling, but she felt it important to update the school community in a clear and timely manner.
“In September, concerns about Mr Kenny-Jones were brought to the college’s attention, and we immediately stood him down from his duties that day while we investigated and reported the matter to the relevant authorities, including Victoria Police,” she wrote in the email.
“His employment was subsequently terminated.”
The principal said she decided not to communicate directly to students because parents were best placed to decide how to talk to their child.
“I am sharing this information with families as soon as I can, as I wanted our families to hear this news directly from me, rather than through the media or elsewhere.”
A school spokesperson confirmed the teacher was sacked last month before police laid charges.
“The principal and other senior school leaders have also personally contacted the parents of students who had classroom contact with Mr Kenny-Jones,” she said.
The Kew school said its focus was on caring for students and staff, ensuring support was available for them.
“As this matter is before the courts, it would not be appropriate for the college to comment further.”
Kenny-Jones taught students in years 7 to 12 in various subjects.
According to his social media pages, he was at the school for five years, and formerly worked at Vermont Secondary College.
Kenny-Jones was granted bail and will appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court in December.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Caroline Schelle is an education reporter, and joined The Age in 2022. She previously covered courts at AAP.Connect via X or email.
