Two members of teaching staff at the senior campus of All Saints’ College Maitland have been placed on Administrative Leave whilst allegations of two serious misconduct matters are investigated.
School leadership was made aware of one allegation on Wednesday afternoon and reported it to the relevant statutory authority the same day and immediately took steps to place the staff member on Administrative Leave.
A connected but very separate allegation of a different nature against another staff member came to light late yesterday (Thursday), this was reported to the relevant authority yesterday and steps were taken today to place that staff member on Administrative Leave.
Due to the nature of the investigations now underway, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle cannot provide any further comment at this time. When able, the Diocese will provide further information to members of the All Saints’ College community.
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle responds to all allegations of abuse and takes safeguarding seriously and places the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons first. As is always the case with our Diocesan system of schools, we encourage you to contact the leadership of All Saints’ College or the Office of Safeguarding if you have any concerns:
Mr Brian Lacey, Principal, All Saints’ College
Phone: 4933 6177 (during school hours)
Email: brian.lacey@mn.catholic.edu.au
Office of Safeguarding
Phone: 4979 1390 (8.30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday)
Email: childprotection@mn.catholic.org.au
Online: https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au/report-abuse/
Alternatively, you may choose to make an anonymous and confidential report through the Diocese’s Whistleblower Hotline which is run by PKF Australia, an independent agency, through the following channels:
Phone: 1300 989 183, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Online: https://pkftalkintegrity.com/?domn.
Support for the school community
For any member of the school community, support is available through the following Diocesan Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These services are being offered to all members of the Maitland school community at this time:
The Rosewood Centre
Call 1800 613 155 to make an appointment or book via the website – https://rosewoodcentre.com.au/
Hours: Office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm. Appointments can be arranged outside of business hours, where required.
About: The Rosewood Centre has eight locations across the region and offers a wide range of confidential counselling services under our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist individuals, couples, and families to achieve optimal mental health and wellbeing. Anyone struggling with daily stress, or major life events such as redundancy, separation, or other personal or family issues, can turn to us for support.
Counselling involves confidential conversations about issues or concerns, helping you to clarify and work towards a resolution. EAP counselling aims to build personal skills and strengths to improve your coping skills.
AusPysch Call 4926 1688 to make an appointment or book via the website https://auspsych.com.au/ Hours: Office hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. 24/7 telephone and video appointments can also be scheduled outside of business hours, where required.
About: AusPysch is an alternative provider and a new addition to our EAP program. AusPsych can help you with any problems or concerns that affect your psychological or emotional wellbeing. The EAP is confidential, voluntary and off-site at one of AusPsych’s many locations.
Other support agencies
• Lifeline – 24/7 telephone crisis support and suicide prevention services. Contact 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• Beyond Blue – 24/7 telephone support services and online chat 4pm – 10pm (AEST). Contact 1300 224 636 or https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Healing & Support (Zimmerman Service) – 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Contact 4923 0636 healing.support@mn.catholic.org.au
