Second Wellington school faces sexual misconduct problem

  • 09/03/2017
St Patrick's College Silverstream
St Patrick's College Silverstream (Facebook)

In the same week as two Wellington College boys posted comments on Facebook glorifying sexual assault, four Year 9 students at St Patrick's College, Silverstream have been suspended after sexually harassing female staff members.

The school's rector, Gerard Tully, has confirmed "a most distressing incident of sexual harassment".

"It involves a small number of Year 9 students and the victims are two staff members. The incident involved inappropriate filming of the staff members," he said in a statement.

"The students involved have been suspended from school, pending a hearing with the Board of Trustees discipline sub-committee.

"Our absolute priority is for the safety, support and recovery of our staff members," he said.

In the past week two Wellington College students wrote offensive comments in a closed Facebook group. One of the young men had written: "If you don't take advantage of a drunk girl, you're not a true WC boy."

"The comments made about young women in those posts were deplorable and appalling and do not reflect Wellington College values in any way," headmaster Roger Moses said in a Facebook post to parents.

"I would urge you to take the time to talk to your son/s about the meaning of consent and respect and about the risks they take posting comments on social media."

Newshub.