3 months ago
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Teachers at an exclusive Melbourne Catholic school have been warned not to risk repeating an incident after last year’s valedictory dinner when a night at the pub for a group of students and teachers turned “ugly”.
As St Kevin’s College prepared for its annual valedictory dinner on Wednesday night – one of the all-boys school’s biggest events of the year – management told staff not to socialise with students when the event was over.
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The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is still investigating last year’s incident, when four male teachers kicked on at a pub with graduating students after the 2024 valedictory dinner. Scenes ensued that were described by sources familiar with the matter but not authorised to speak publicly as “rowdy” and “ugly”.
The college has been pursuing a years-long and wide-ranging program of cultural change after an external review in 2021, commissioned after a sustained period of bad publicity for the school, found the culture there was “toxic”, “misogynistic” and “confused”.
St Kevin’s said on Wednesday that reminders to staff of their professional obligations in the lead-up to major school events were commonplace and appropriate.
The VIT is looking at claims that, as the 2024 valedictory celebrations went on into the night, a teacher was videoed standing on a table and making disparaging comments about the school’s management.
It is further alleged that the party ended after damage was done to the pub and police were called.
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After the college was notified of the events, it referred the matter to the VIT, which is continuing its review, with the conduct of one of the teachers on the night still being scrutinised by the authority.
St Kevin’s Deputy Principal Carolyn McCarthy appeared determined this week to avoid any repeat of last year’s scenes, telling staff at the school in a memo exactly what was expected of them.
“A gentle reminder for colleagues who may be attending the Valedictory Dinner that this is a St Kevin’s College event and as such staff conduct must be in line with VIT and College Child Safe Codes of Conduct when interacting with 2025 graduates,” McCarthy wrote.
“Please note that the definition of a student (from our policy) is the day after exams are completed. With exams running on Wednesday 19 November, some students will still fall under this definition.”
“We are aware that staff may wish to socialise after the event. We ask that staff do this in a way that avoids any interaction with graduating students or families.”
A college spokesperson said: “Consistent with best practice for professional organisations, the College regularly reminds its staff of conduct standards, including ahead of significant celebrations and events.
“With regard to any staff matter, the College does not comment on confidential processes.”
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