Share and Follow
A female teacher has been sacked by an elite Catholic boys school after being charged with sexually abusing a student in what has been described as a distressing betrayal of trust.
She has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child.
Clements also faces one count of intentionally sexually touching a child.
St Augustine’s principal Jonathan Byrne said the college notified police after becoming aware of the allegations and immediately stood Clements down from her role.
Her employment has since been terminated.
“We continue to work with police and relevant authorities and, in the meantime, our focus is on ensuring the privacy and well-being of the student and family,” Byrne said in a letter to parents.
“The judicial process must be allowed to run its natural course.
“However I believe that the former teacher has betrayed the trust placed in them by the college and families.”
He acknowledged the investigation would cause anxiety and be an “incredibly distressing time” for some but cautioned against harmful speculation about those involved.
“If you have not been contacted, your son is not currently part of the active investigation,” Byrne told parents.
“Please respect that in this instance we are legally limited in what we can share, and have a primary consideration to protect the safety and wellbeing of the student.”
Clements remains behind bars despite being granted bail yesterday by Manly Local Court.
A magistrate granted her release under strict conditions including that she abstain from social media use.
But the police prosecutor made a rare application to stay the bail decision so a detention application can be heard in the NSW Supreme Court.
The move means Clements will remain behind bars on remand until the application is heard or until 4pm on Thursday, whichever is first.
She has not yet entered pleas to the charges.
An interim apprehended domestic violence order is in place to protect the student.
Support is available from 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuson 1800 55 1800 (for people aged five to 25).
