source : the age
By Noel Towell
Key leaders at a prestigious private boarding school rocked by allegations of systematic physical abuse of young students by older schoolmates have stepped down.
Staff at Ballarat Grammar were told on Tuesday that the head of the school’s Dart House boarding facility, Alex Sylvan, had resigned and would not return when term 2 begins next week.
The resignations come as parents continue to pressure Ballarat Grammar over its response to allegations that up to 10 senior students engaged in sustained physical abuse of younger students.Credit: Joe Armao
The regional Victorian school’s leadership praised Sylvan’s efforts as head of the house and wished the experienced teacher well.
A.K.M. Azad also stepped down as assistant head of Dart House, but will continue to work at the school as an academic mentor to boarders and as a classroom teacher.
Parents continue to pressure Ballarat Grammar, which is a co-educational day and boarding school, over its response to allegations that at least 10 boarding students had used straps to “punish” boys as young as year 7 level, with at least 12 victims thought to be involved.
Two senior students were expelled after an investigation by the school and another group of boys has been moved off-campus – to a house owned by the school in Ballarat – while continuing their studies as day students.
Police continue to investigate the alleged assaults, which are said to have occurred in 2023 and 2024, and the state’s education regulator, the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority, also says it is making inquiries.
Ballarat Grammar headmaster Adam Heath thanked the two departing Dart House leaders on Tuesday.
“We thank Alex for his contribution to the life of Ballarat Grammar in his teaching, co-curricular and pastoral roles over the past two years,” Heath wrote in a message to school staff.
“We wish him well for the future.
Ballarat Grammar principal Adam Heath has wished his departing colleague well.Credit: Ballarat Grammar.
“We thank Akm [sic] for the care and commitment he has shown to boarders and their families.”
Sylvan declined to comment on Wednesday.
Ballarat Grammar has been approached for comment.
Parents have been divided on the school’s response to the scandal, with families of alleged victims unhappy at what they perceive as lenient treatment of the senior students allegedly involved.
Families of the students accused of strapping, meanwhile, place the blame firmly on the school and believe their sons have been treated harshly. They continue to actively lobby for the return of the off-campus group to the school’s boarding house.
