Teacher, ex-student in ‘sex tape’ controversy

ERIN PEARSON
A GEELONG high school teacher is under investigation after appearing in a sex video with a former student.
The controversy has sparked concerns about children across the region seeking out the internet footage.
The Education Department confirmed it was investigating and would take “appropriate” action after “details are known”.
The video, posted to an internet pornography site, showed the male teacher having sex with the 23-year-old female former student who was blindfolded in part of the footage.
Oberon High School Principal Alison Murphy said the English teacher was “not at school today”.
Mrs Murphy was unable to say whether he would remain teaching at the school.
Oberon was treating the controversy “very seriously”, she said.
“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.”
Former classmates told the Independent the woman in the video was a “teacher’s pet” and “the quiet type” while at Oberon.
The video had shocked many of her former classmates, they said.
Toni van Hamond, of youth mental health counselling service Headspace Barwon, was concerned about children across the region rushing to see the internet video.
The site was easy to find on social media websites.
“How do you explain to kids this isn’t funny,” Ms Hammond said.
“If they’re concerned or upset I’d encourage them to talk to someone they trust, like a parent or adult, about what they’re seen or heard.”
A website for rating teachers included comments defending the teacher as “extremely committed” and the “coolest teacher ever”.
A concerned mother, whose children attend Oberon, called for the teacher to be “stood down immediately”.
The mother, who declined to be identified, feared the scandal would distract students from learning as they returned to school this week.
“Something as serious as this is a breach of trust in a person you place your children’s education needs in.
“I’m shocked and appalled by this news.
“This teacher is responsible for the welfare of so many students.”