Shock ‘strap' claim rocks elite school
A prestigious regional Victorian private school has become engulfed in a scandal following allegations of senior boarding students 'lashing' their junior peers.
Ballarat Grammar School has launched an investigation into the alleged assault of boarding students at their campus at Wendouree - a suburb of Ballarat - after the alarm was raised by a parent earlier this month.
The Age reports some senior students in one of the school's boarding hoses ran a so-called 'punishment ring' where junior students were 'strapped' or lashed as punishment.
Ballarat Grammar headmaster Adam Heath said several senior students had developed a 'perverse sense of justice' and believed they had the 'right' to administer consequences to the younger boys. believing they had the right to 'administer consequences'
In a statement, he said the school was taking the allegations 'extremely seriously' and were 'committed to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of every student in our care.'
'We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities and will continue to provide our full support, if required,' Mr Heath said.
Mr Heath said Bradley Fenner, an expert in boys' education and the former headmaster of Auckland's King's College and the Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, had been commissioned to undertake an independent review of what had allegedly occurred.
'He will be working with us to review all of our processes as well as our culture and practices within the
boarding environment,' Mr Heath continued in the statement.
'He is providing expert advice on how we're managing this situation so that we have a fair, transparent process of natural justice for all who are involved.'
The school did not elaborate on whether any students had been disciplined, suspended or expelled following the allegations.
Mr Heath said the investigation and review were ongoing.
'Our priority is to listen to and support those who have been impacted,' he said.
'Following the conclusion of the investigation and review, we will take decisive action and respond accordingly.'
The Herald Sun reports Mr Heath first wrote to parents on February 20 where he condemned the alleged acts.
'I want to inform you that I have become aware of certain behaviours in our boarding houses that do not align with the school's values and, if substantiated, would constitute serious misconduct,' he said in a letter to parents.
'As part of this investigation, I am committed to upholding the principles of natural justice, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly while I establish the facts.
'While the investigation is ongoing, I want to reassure our community that, should the allegations be substantiated, decisive action will be taken to ensure accountability.'
Ballarat Grammar School is one of the state's most expensive private schools - costing up to $26,040 per year for Year 12 students.
Boarding fees for that same year group cost an additional $23,400 on top of tuition fees.
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