Students at an elite girls’ school in Melbourne have compiled a catalog of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ from a teacher who died suddenly after a child safety complaint.
Grammar teacher for girls in Melbourne David Simpson died shortly afterwards he was reported to the police due to child safety issues.
South Yarra School students, where the annual fee is about $40,000, the internet has taken to accusing the father of two of “touching” one student and sending inappropriate images to another.
They also accused the school of not acting quickly enough and of burying their heads in the sand over numerous complaints about Mr Simpson.
In a disturbing tweet Mr Simpson posted a few years ago, he wrote that one of his highlights in the education calendar was seeing the ‘look on the boys’ faces’ when he told them that ‘women – wait – three holes to have’.
David Simpson died after being reported to police over child safety issues
Offensive: Mr Simpson tweeted about the female anatomy
Police had recently spoken to the private school and provided clues regarding Mr Simpson.
Damn accusations against Mr Simpson have since appeared on social media.
‘The poor student who was sent photos now has to learn to live with it. All because the school ignored us. Fortunately, my parents are pulling me out,” the message read.
Students claimed that the school had been made aware of serious concerns about Mr Simpson at the start of the school year.
“Teachers have told us they have also complained,” the first message read.
A day before his death last Friday, Simpson posted a chilling image to social media depicting a picturesque Melbourne sunrise with the caption, “Be a good day.”
The elite school released a statement on Monday confirming that charges had been filed against him.
“In recent days, the school has learned of an alleged child safety issue,” said Melbourne Girls’ Grammar.
“School staff followed child safety procedures and mandatory reporting.
“As a school, our priorities are centered on the safety and well-being of our students and the community. We will always act in the best interests of the children in our care.”
Police had recently spoken to the Melbourne Girls’ Grammar (pictured) and provided clues as to Mr Simpson
The teacher at Melbourne Girls’ Grammar, in South Yarra, where the student fee is about $40,000 a year, was the subject of mandatory reporting and child safety procedures
A student took to Reddit and complained about the investigation into Mr Simpson.
“They didn’t say he was inappropriate, even though we all knew it,” the student wrote.
“Our parents were concerned 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.
“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.’
Signs of trouble were evident on Simpson’s own Twitter feed, with a June 14 post showing he was under extreme pressure.
“The past week has tested my courage. Every ounce of energy and patience has been called upon. Not to mention all the lessons I learned on the trip,” he wrote.
Mr Simpson was very active on social media and once admitted to running eight Facebook groups in the various classes he taught.
‘I have experienced them as incredibly powerful and greatly appreciated and accepted by the students. It never ceases to amaze me how easy it can be to engage students simply by asking them how they would like to do it,” he wrote in 2011.
‘As of the last count (about 2 months ago), I had group contact via FB with 10% of the student cohort. In a school with more than 1500 students, that’s an easy way to get a message across to the students.’
David Simpson posted this on social media a day before his death
Mr Simpson had previously worked at another prestigious school – Haileybury College – where he was Head of Science for about six years
“You think, given the amount the parents pay, the teachers would listen to the students first after SEVERAL GIRLS complained about him,” another student wrote.
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.
It is clear that Mr Simpson had acted in a ‘support role’ for struggling students.
“Uhm wrong support,” the student wrote.
Mr Simpson had previously worked at another prestigious school – Haileybury College – where he was head of science for about six years.
He also taught at Tintern Grammar and St Helena Secondary College.
On his LinkedIn page, Mr. Simpson wrote about his love of teaching.
“I am passionate about working with and through others to develop professional learning communities focused on continuous improvement – for the benefit of school networks, individual schools, teachers and students,” he said.
Melbourne Girls Grammar did not respond to Daily Mail Australia questions on Thursday.
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.