St Augustine’s College: Former teacher, Ella Clements, charged with sexually abusing student at Sydney private school
A female teacher has been sacked by an elite Catholic boys school after being charged with sexually abusing a student in what has been described as a distressing betrayal of trust.
Ella Clements, 24, is accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a schoolboy at St Augustine’s College in Brookvale, in northern Sydney.
She has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Clements also faces one count of intentionally sexually touching a child.
St Augustine’s principal Jonathan Byrne said the college notified police after becoming aware of the allegations and immediately stood Ms Clements down from her role.
Her employment has since been terminated.
“We continue to work with police and relevant authorities and, in the meantime, our focus is on ensuring the privacy and well-being of the student and family,” Mr Byrne said in a letter to parents.
“The judicial process must be allowed to run its natural course.
“However I believe that the former teacher has betrayed the trust placed in them by the college and families.”
He acknowledged the investigation would cause anxiety and be an “incredibly distressing time” for some but cautioned against harmful speculation about those involved.
“If you have not been contacted, your son is not currently part of the active investigation,” Mr Byrne told parents.
“Please respect that in this instance we are legally limited in what we can share, and have a primary consideration to protect the safety and wellbeing of the student.”
Clements remains behind bars despite being granted bail on Monday by Manly Local Court.
A magistrate granted her release under strict conditions including that she abstain from social media use.
But the police prosecutor made a rare application to stay the bail decision so a detention application can be heard in the NSW Supreme Court.
The move means Clements will remain behind bars on remand until the application is heard or until 4pm Thursday, whichever is first.
She has not yet entered pleas to the charges.
An interim apprehended domestic violence order is in place to protect the student.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
