Lumen Christi provides counsellors after teacher charged on sex crimes

School principal Steve Centra said the school was co-operating fully with police and that it was holding several assemblies with the students to ease their concerns. 

“We have told the parents as much as we know; as it is a police investigation the college has no further information. At this stage we are just meeting with the students to let them know that their safety is our number one priority.”

In a piece of correspondence issued to parents and carers on Monday, June 22, Mr Centra said he understood the recent news was disturbing for members of the community and that it was important to keep the students informed.

“We will be conducting various year level assemblies at the start of the day to reiterate the following to the students: police have provided explicit assurances that the charges do not relate to students of Lumen and alternative arrangements have been made to replace the teacher concerned.”

Head of directorate services at the Canberra Catholic Education Office, Frances Neuss said school counsellors have been provided to staff, students and parents as a support, if needed.  

“The Catholic Education Office is working closely with the school to ensure the wellbeing of students and staff.  (We are) fully co-operating with the NSW police in its investigation. For legal reasons, we are not permitted to name the staff member concerned.

“The Catholic Education Office and Lumen Christi College takes the opportunity of reminding all children and parents of the importance of internet safety and of encouraging children to be open about their internet usage and to take responsibility about this issue.”

Ms Neuss said the CEO and Lumen Christi would continue to work with the local community and NSW police.