Issuu

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - Page 3

Court Roundsman

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Tribunal hears misconduct Observer claim: principal cleared In This Week’s Edition

Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever

● Lara Bogacz Kirk. Photo: Beth Klein ■ More than 1000 Kate Bush look-a-likes Adam Francis, put the wanna-be Kates amassed on the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and through the moves. King’s Domain on Sunday (July 16) for the This was a glorious celebration of Kate Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever. Bush’s iconic 1978 debut hit Wuthering Melbourne smiled down on the sea of red Heights and a deserving tribute to one of the with a glorious sunny day as the crowd busted most original, ground-breaking, talented mutheir best-Bush moves. The atmosphere was euphoric as Kates con- sic artist ever. Proceeds from the event go to SafeSteps, gratulated and laughed with other Kates on their Family Violence Response Centre. Kateness in a spirit of community rarely seen. - Beth Klein Choreographer Cathy Stevens, assisted by

■ An allegation of misconduct against Aquinas College Principal Anthony O’Byrne has been set aside by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Judge Marilyn Harbison, Tribunal Vice-President, and Member Trish Harper, this month set aside a decision of the Informal Hearing Panel. The complaint had originally been heard by the Victorian Institute of Teaching. The Tribunal heard how Mr O’Byrne handled a complaint after an inappropriate comment was said to have been made by another teacher to two students in a Year 11 business management class at Aquinas College. The female student reported the incident to the Year 11 co-orinator, Wayne Forrest. The complaint was that the female student and her boyfriend had been singled out in a class, with the teacher saying “I know you would love to be stroking her leg.” The female student said the class began laughing and mocked she and her boyfriend. The Tribunal was told that the teacher had been the subject of previous complaints of using inappropriate language to other students. Mr O’Byrne launched an investigation into the teacher’s behavior, unaware that Mr Forrest was also interviewing several students. The female student was upset at how the interview with the Principal was conducted, VCAT heard. Mr O’Byrne was upset with the inference that complaints had been made but not investigated satisfactorily. The Tribunal also heard about an email sent to the College by the father of the female student. The other teacher was stood down, with Mr O’Byrne saying it was the first time in his 28-year career that he had ever stood anyone down. He was uncertain of the process. There was no manual prepared by the Catholic Education Office to assist in such a situation, the Tribunal was told. Mr O’Byrne’s letter to the teacher included requirements that the teacher undergo a physical check-up, as well as psychological and neurological assistance. The teacher is said not to have accepted all of the allegations, and denied making sexually suggestive comments. Turn To Page 4

Long Shots: Christina leads Rotary ......... Page 4 Showbiz: Organ event at Brighton .......... Page 5 Victoria Pictorial: Early Gembrook ......... Page 7 Wine and Travel: David Ellis reports ........ Page 8 Freemasons Victoria: Promotion feature .. Page 10 Outback: New highway project ............ Page 12 Classic Books: Little Women .............. Page 13 Observer Showbiz: Abigail 1702 .......... Page 21 Country Music: Rob Foenander ............ Page 22 Theatre: Nigella Bites review ............. Page 23 Movies, DVDs: Top 10 lists ................. Page 24 Cheryl Threadgold James Sherlock Aaron Rourke Rob Foenander

Observer Showbiz Showbiz