The principal of Illawong Public School in Sydney’s south has been suspended following allegations that Year 6 students were exposed to an inappropriate and overly explicit sex education discussion.
Eleni Petinos, State Member for Miranda, brought the matter to parliament on Friday, November 15, highlighting the deep concern among parents and the community about the incident.
Ms Petinos explained that the incident occurred on November 7 after students participated in the Amazing Me program, which had parental approval. However, a follow-up discussion allegedly escalated to cover topics such as adult streaming websites and explicit sex acts, prompted by anonymous student questions.
“What parents did not consent to… was a school staff member’s discretion around an appropriate follow-up conversation,” Ms Petinos said.
She described being shocked by the content, recounting one parent’s concerns that their child’s sexual knowledge had been advanced beyond what was appropriate for their age.
Minister for Education Prue Car apologised to parents and confirmed that immediate action had been taken.
“I’m sorry to those parents… the principal has been stood aside,” she said.
“There is a relieving principal in place while the principal’s activities are subject to an investigation by the department of education, professional and ethical standards unit — that is very serious — and I will let that investigation take place.”
While stressing that sex education is a standard part of the curriculum for Year 5 and 6 students, Ms Car clarified that the behaviour in this instance was “unacceptable.”
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman called the incident “reckless” and criticised the government’s response for leaving parents feeling unsupported.
Source: ABC News.
