One of Brisbane’s most exclusive girls’ private schools is facing legal action from a former student alleging she was sexually abused by a former staff member in the 1980s.
Brisbane Girls Grammar School wrote to alumni to reveal the civil action, which related to alleged abuse by a staff member who was employed in 1983 and 1984.
In the letter, school board of trustees chair Julie McKay praised the former student’s “courage” in coming forward with the allegations.
She said the school was “taking the matter very seriously” and expressed regret that a former student could have “such an experience at our school”.
“We recognise this former student’s courage re-telling her experiences and acknowledge how difficult this must have been,” she said.
“We fully support her coming forward, as we would any other person in such circumstances.”
Ms McKay said the school had opted to reach out to former students to ensure they were aware of the issue and to offer information about pathways if they wanted to come forward with any similar complaints.
“At this time we have no information that other former students have been directly impacted,” she said.
“However, in the circumstances we do not want to make any assumptions.”
Ms Mckay said complainants could directly contact her via email or go to the police.
She said they could also make contact via their independent legal representative or via the National Redress Scheme.
Ms Mckay said all alumni would be supported should they raise a similar matter with the school in the manner and timing of their own choosing.
She said privacy and legal constraints prevented her from sharing more information, including the identity of the former staff member who was the subject of the claim.
“We were deeply disturbed and saddened to learn of this situation and hope that we have an environment where our community do feel comfortable to come forward if they have any concerns,” she said.
The school has stressed the matter does not relate to any current student or staff member.