“In February 2020 a matter concerning Mr Junkovic was reported to the college and in keeping with our policies, the college immediately informed Victoria Police, the Commission for Children and Young People, as well as the principal of Carey Grammar, Mr Junkovic’s most recent workplace,” Mrs Barker wrote.

She said the Toorak school was being proactive and transparent in continuing to build a safe environment.

“We are on a journey as a school community, which will continue, as we address these issues and work to keep our students safe.”

School psychologists and other support have been made available to students.

A spokesperson for Carey Baptist Grammar School said Mr Junkovic had been placed on leave effective immediately when the school learned of the allegations and he formally finished employment in February this year.

“Carey liaised with the police and Mr Junkovic to support the ongoing investigations. Mr Junkovic has not returned to work at Carey since that time,” the spokesperson said.

″The news that Mr Junkovic has been formally charged with criminal offences relating to his conduct at a previous school is troubling news for our school community.

“We have taken proactive steps to both support our staff and students as well as to encourage anyone with concerns to come forward.“

In February 2020, St Kevin’s’ long-serving principal Stephen Russell resigned after it was revealed that he provided a reference in court for Peter Kehoe, a former volunteer coach at the college who was convicted of child grooming a St Kevin’s student.

Mrs Barker began as the college’s first woman principal in January.

In June last year a former counsellor, Maree Keel, confidentially settled her case after taking the school to court alleging she was demoted after the school tried to block her attempts to report boys’ complaints of grooming by staff.

with Adam Cooper

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Anna is an education reporter at The Age.

Madeleine Heffernan is an education reporter for The Age.

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Source: | This article originally belongs to smh.com.au

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