Media Release regarding allegations at Melbourne's King David School
Manny Waks
24 April 2015
“I have spoken to the King David School Principal, Mr Marc Light, regarding the allegations that a staff member had inappropriate interactions with current and former students at the school. It is my strong belief that Mr Light and the King David School acted responsibly at all times and took (and continue to take) appropriate actions to address these allegations. This includes suspending the staff member while the school conducts an investigation (the staff member has since resigned his position at the school), and liaising with the police, the relevant government department, the Victorian Institute of Teaching, Tzedek and other relevant stakeholders.
It is important to emphasise that there have not been any allegations of sexual abuse.
Mr Light has acknowledged that during the investigation the school identified a gap in its current child protection policy. This gap relates to when allegations are made by former students at the school. Mr Light has noted that the school is in the process of rectifying this issue.
I would like to emphasise that my ongoing interactions with the King David School over the last few years have been excellent. They have always sought to be proactive regarding the issue of child protection. I have complete faith in the King David School and its leadership, and I wish to commend them for the manner in which they have addressed this current matter.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all institutions to review their policies and procedures to ensure they meet the highest possible standards. I would also encourage anyone with any information regarding these or other related matters to go to the police.”
It is important to emphasise that there have not been any allegations of sexual abuse.
Mr Light has acknowledged that during the investigation the school identified a gap in its current child protection policy. This gap relates to when allegations are made by former students at the school. Mr Light has noted that the school is in the process of rectifying this issue.
I would like to emphasise that my ongoing interactions with the King David School over the last few years have been excellent. They have always sought to be proactive regarding the issue of child protection. I have complete faith in the King David School and its leadership, and I wish to commend them for the manner in which they have addressed this current matter.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all institutions to review their policies and procedures to ensure they meet the highest possible standards. I would also encourage anyone with any information regarding these or other related matters to go to the police.”