Teh One Who Knocks
02-01-2012, 02:45 PM
Megan Levy - The Age (Australia)
http://i.imgur.com/iZXY5.jpg
A Geelong high school says it is taking ‘‘very seriously’’ allegations that one of its teachers starred in an online pornographic film with one of his former students.
Oberon High School principal Alison Murphy said she took immediate action when she became aware yesterday that the film was circulating among students of the high school in Belmont.
The male English teacher has taken leave from his teaching duties after students discovered the graphic film on a pornographic website and began discussing and sharing the link on social networking sites.
Graphic footage shows a woman, who at one point is blindfolded, and a man naked on a bed.
It is claimed the woman was a former student of the teacher several years ago. There is no suggestion the pair had a relationship when the woman was a student.
‘‘I acted immediately when I was made aware of this matter, met with the teacher and contacted the Department,’’ Mrs Murphy said.
‘‘As this matter is now being investigated, it is not appropriate for me to comment further.
‘‘However, I can say the teacher is not at school today.
‘‘I am of course taking this matter very seriously.’’
A Department of Education spokeswoman said an investigation had been launched and ‘‘appropriate action’’ would be taken once the full details were known.
‘‘This is a timely reminder of the dangers of cyberspace,’’ she said.
‘‘Yesterday the state government released a new guide for teachers about appropriate and responsible online behaviour.’’
She could not say whether he had been suspended or had taken leave.
Several parents are believed to have reported the incident to the school after their children were sent links to the online video.
A number of parents who have seen the film are adamant that the teacher is the same person in the film.
Many students have expressed their shock on social networking sites about the allegations, while others rushed to the defence of the teacher, saying he was well regarded among students.
‘‘Love the man. Honestly. He’s amazing. He knows what he is teaching, appreciates his job and respects all his students,’’ wrote one.
Others have turned to the Rate my Teacher website to post comments about the teacher.
http://i.imgur.com/iZXY5.jpg
A Geelong high school says it is taking ‘‘very seriously’’ allegations that one of its teachers starred in an online pornographic film with one of his former students.
Oberon High School principal Alison Murphy said she took immediate action when she became aware yesterday that the film was circulating among students of the high school in Belmont.
The male English teacher has taken leave from his teaching duties after students discovered the graphic film on a pornographic website and began discussing and sharing the link on social networking sites.
Graphic footage shows a woman, who at one point is blindfolded, and a man naked on a bed.
It is claimed the woman was a former student of the teacher several years ago. There is no suggestion the pair had a relationship when the woman was a student.
‘‘I acted immediately when I was made aware of this matter, met with the teacher and contacted the Department,’’ Mrs Murphy said.
‘‘As this matter is now being investigated, it is not appropriate for me to comment further.
‘‘However, I can say the teacher is not at school today.
‘‘I am of course taking this matter very seriously.’’
A Department of Education spokeswoman said an investigation had been launched and ‘‘appropriate action’’ would be taken once the full details were known.
‘‘This is a timely reminder of the dangers of cyberspace,’’ she said.
‘‘Yesterday the state government released a new guide for teachers about appropriate and responsible online behaviour.’’
She could not say whether he had been suspended or had taken leave.
Several parents are believed to have reported the incident to the school after their children were sent links to the online video.
A number of parents who have seen the film are adamant that the teacher is the same person in the film.
Many students have expressed their shock on social networking sites about the allegations, while others rushed to the defence of the teacher, saying he was well regarded among students.
‘‘Love the man. Honestly. He’s amazing. He knows what he is teaching, appreciates his job and respects all his students,’’ wrote one.
Others have turned to the Rate my Teacher website to post comments about the teacher.