Concerns raised over behaviour of teacher

‘‘Schools take any allegations of inappropriate behaviour seriously.’’

Nancy Bell Ministry of Education southern leader

A teacher was allegedly inappropriate towards a student at one of Christchurch’s top public schools.

Cashmere High School has alerted the Ministry of Education to the allegation, which is thought to have surfaced in recent weeks.

The school’s principal, Joe Eccleton, confirmed there was an ‘‘employment matter’’, but would not say what it related to or what action had been taken against the teacher involved. He declined to comment further. The Press understands staff have been told the teacher, a young woman, will not be returning to work. The allegation is believed to relate to her conduct towards a senior student.

Ministry of Education southern leader Nancy Bell said Cashmere High School flagged the allegation on July 5, the day after The Press first queried the government agency about it.

‘‘They know they can seek support and guidance from us to assist them if needed,’’ Bell said in a statement last week. ‘‘The safety and wellbeing of students is paramount and schools take any allegations of inappropriate behaviour seriously. When there are concerns about a teacher, these are also reported to the Teaching Council.’’

Bell said the school’s board of trustees was responsible for employment matters, and therefore it was inappropriate for her to comment further.

Cashmere High School’s board chairman James O’Connell declined to comment.

A Teaching Council spokesperson said they were unable to comment about matters related to individual teachers to ensure ‘‘confidentiality and natural justice’’.