Deputy principal on leave amid police investigation into staff member
A deputy principal from Onslow College in Wellington is on leave, while the police have confirmed they have received a complaint about a school staff member and are making inquiries.
The school told parents it was "undertaking a process" concerning Connor Baird, one of five deputy principals at the college, who was currently on leave.
The note to parents, sent on Wednesday morning and signed off by the principal and two board chairs, addressed a recent media query about "rumours circulating in our community relating to Deputy Principal Mr Baird, who is currently on leave".
"Onslow College is undertaking a process that ensures the matter is managed respectfully and fairly," it said.
But as the process was confidential, it needed to respect the privacy of everyone involved and were not able to provide further information, the school statement said.
"We kindly ask our community to avoid speculation, which can have unintended consequences," it said.
"The wellbeing of our students, staff and whānau is our highest priority."
Wellington Police confirmed to RNZ it was making inquiries after receiving a complaint relating to an Onslow College staff member.
"We are working to determine if any criminal offending has taken place."
The teaching council registration database showed Baird has "voluntarily agreed not to teach".
It told RNZ: "When there are serious allegations made regarding a teacher's conduct, the Teaching Council's Triage Committee may seek a voluntary agreement with the teacher to step away from teaching while the matter is investigated to ensure a fair and transparent process."
It should be seen as a precautionary measure without any implication or assumption of guilt, it said.
"In general, the Teaching Council does not comment on complaints or Mandatory Reports that have been made to the Council (including confirming whether one has recently or previously been received in relation to a specific teacher, ECE centre, school or Kura). This is to ensure we act in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the principles of natural justice."
rnz.co.nz
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