Aformer volunteer at a Mount Gambier school has been arrested and charged with child sexual offences.
Mulga Street Primary School sent a letter to parents on Friday advising of the arrest and urging anyone with information to contact SA Police.
The letter was sent from school principal Anna Copping and advised the person had not volunteered at the school since last year.
“I regret to inform you that a person who previously volunteered at our school has been arrested and charged with child sexual offences,” the letter said.
“The arrested person has not volunteered at our school since Term 3, 2022. Police are investigating this matter and the arrested person is now prevented from engaging in child-related work.
“If you have any information that may assist the police investigation please contact SA Police … I will keep you informed of the progress of the prosecution and provide you with more information when I can.
“This incident does not involve any children from our school, however I understand that this is distressing information,” the letter said.
“I am concerned about the welfare of children that had contact with the former volunteer.”
The letter advised any parents or caregivers who had any concerns about the safety and welfare of their child to contact the school or local GP, Kids Helpline, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services or Child Protection Service.
The SE Voice contacted Ms Copping who advised she was unable to comment, while an Education Department spokesperson provided a written statement.
“In keeping with the protocols laid out in the Debelle Report, the Department for Education has a policy around informing the school community at the appropriate time whenever allegations of sexual misconduct are made against any person who volunteered in any capacity at the school,” the spokesperson said.
“A letter has been provided to parents and caregivers at Mulga Street Primary School to advise them that a person who previously volunteered at the school has been arrested and charged with a child sexual offence.”
