The ex-principal of one of Sydney’s most prestigious schools will face a new investigation after he allegedly became aware of inappropriate emails between a teacher and one of his former students.
It is alleged that a male teacher at Cranbrook School, an all-boys school in Bellevue Hill and Rose Bay in Sydney’s exclusive eastern suburbs, sent sexually explicit emails to a former female student from another school in 2014.
Principal Nicholas Sampson is said to have been made aware in 2015 of the multiple explicit emails allegedly sent between the teacher and the young woman, from Mount St Benedict College in Pennant Hills in Sydney’s northwest.
However, while earning Cranbrook $46,497 a year, Mr. Sampson retained the teacher and even promoted him. The teacher has now been suspended.
Mr Sampson’s actions and the wider scandal surrounding the school in the wake of an ABC Four Corners expose will now be subject to an independent review.
Cranbrook School (pictured) and its former principal, Nicholas Sampson, will be subject to an independent review
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare specifically called for an investigation into the events leading to Mr Sampson’s resignation and “the issues raised in the media in relation to Cranbrook, and the taking of appropriate action’.
It is understood Cranbrook held crisis talks on Sunday and is considering a separate audit of its culture.
A spokesperson said this The Sydney Morning Herald it will soon provide an update on the “next steps that (the board) will implement to ensure they are fully informed of all matters within the school.”
‘This also includes reviews by independent parties. The school, together with the municipality, is currently focusing on caring for students, staff and parents within the community,” they said.
Mount St. Benedict College released its own statement Friday saying it had been made aware of the emails allegedly sent in March 2015 between the former teacher and the former student, by then a young adult.
“The council responded immediately and reported the matter to all appropriate authorities, including the New South Wales Police, the NSW Ombudsman, the Association of Independent Schools NSW and the school where the teacher subsequently worked,” the council said.
“The council has fulfilled its statutory responsibilities in this matter, as required at the time.”
The male teacher worked at the girls’ school from 2005 to 2008.
It is alleged Cranbrook was aware of the emails and launched an investigation in 2015 after Mr Sampson called in NSW Police.
It is alleged that Mr Sampson (pictured) was aware of sexual emails between a male teacher and a former female student but kept him in the job
Cranbrook’s investigation found that the emails did not breach reportable child protection laws and no action was taken against the teacher.
However, following the Four Corners investigation into the school’s culture, the ABC made new claims that the emails contained deeply disturbing material, including comments about looking up girls’ skirts and sexual fantasies about students.
“I remember her sitting very low in her chair, with her legs so far apart… that she could always see what color underwear she had,” one of the emails allegedly said.
Mr Sampson’s resignation was announced on Friday morning citing an ‘irrevocable breach of trust’ between the director and the board.
Cranbrook’s acting principal, Michele Marquet, promised parents in a letter Friday “the stability and continuity” of school activities.
‘I understand that there may be feelings of disbelief and sadness that we all experience. I am grateful for everyone’s support and together we will navigate this transition with resilience and grace,” she wrote.
“I am confident that by coming together as a community, we can overcome all the challenges that await us.
“It is during these difficult times that our bonds must grow stronger and our commitment to our school’s vision and mission must deepen.”
The Anglican school will become a co-educational school in 2026 and welcome female students.
Mr Sampson’s dismissal from the school (pictured) was announced on Friday and federal Education Minister Jason Clare called for an investigation into Cranbrook.
One parent told the Herald it was a “relief” that Mr Sampson had resigned, but “the problem is you have to examine the culture of the institution”.
“The council should reassure the school community that the issues are being addressed and give the school community the opportunity to ask questions and involve the whole school community,” they said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Cranbrook School for comment.