There are new allegations of inappropriate behavior from a late teacher at one of the country’s most elite private schools, including that he massaged female students, frequently talked about orgasms and called girls into his office for private gatherings.
Melbourne Girls grammar teacher David Simpson died on August 18, shortly after being reported to police over child safety concerns.
It has emerged that the school, which costs $40,000 a year, first received complaints from teachers and students in February, accusing him of inappropriately touching a student.
In June and July, Simpson would “meet behind closed doors all the time and have several girls in his office” – his habit of massaging the shoulders of female students being well known.
He also allegedly sent an obscene photo to a student.
Police are now investigating these claims, with irate parents demanding to know why no action has been taken sooner.
Melbourne Girls grammar teacher David Simpson died shortly after being reported to police over child safety issues
“The cover-up is disgusting, teachers at MGGS are tired of this,” a source told me the Herald Sun.
Last week, a college student took to Reddit to complain about the belated investigation of Simpson.
“They didn’t say he was inappropriate, even though we all knew it,” the student wrote.
“Our parents were worried about us, but they didn’t know why we weren’t all so sad. Then the school got fair this week, the only reason they got fair was because of the media and not the truth.
Melbourne Girls’ Grammar is one of Australia’s most elite private schools, with fees reaching $40,000 a year
“We are all angry when we complained about him and we know other teachers did too, but the school ignored all of that. They waited for it to get this bad.’
Another student wrote: ‘You think that given the amount the parents pay, the teachers would listen to the students first after SEVERAL GIRLS complained about him.’
Some students claimed they left the school because of concerns about their safety.
“I also went to this school and left last year and all I can say is… the best decision I ever made,” said one girl.
“The school never protects their students or teachers.”
The school rejected allegations that it acted too little and too late or that headmaster Dr Toni Meath is under pressure to resign.
“We reiterate that the school has followed its child safety and mandatory reporting procedures, including notifying Victoria Police, and our priority remains to support students, staff and families,” a spokesperson for the school told the Herald Sun.
Simpson posted this image and the cryptic caption on social media a day before he died
Simpson three years ago, Simpson had tweeted this “high point” of teaching the female anatomy
The school is using several specialist recruitment agencies, including for a current position announced in May, to appoint an additional deputy principal.
‘Finally, the suggestion that the position of the director is under discussion is not based on truth.’
It is clear that Mr. Simpson, a father of two, took on a ‘support role’ for students who were struggling.
Three years ago, Simpson tweeted one of his education calendar highlights: seeing the “look on the boy’s faces” when he told them that “women—just wait—have three holes.”
Signs of trouble were evident on Simpson’s Twitter feed leading up to his sudden passing, with a June 14 post revealing he was under extreme pressure.
“This past week has tested my courage,” he wrote.
“Every ounce of energy and patience has been called upon. Not to mention all the lessons I learned on the trip.”
A day before his death last Friday, Simpson posted an image of a red-tinted sunrise in Melbourne with the cryptic caption: “Be a good day.”
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.