Parent at Frederick Irwin Anglican School makes disturbing claims about sex abuse teacher

A parent at the school linked to the teacher who gave birth to her 13-year-old former student’s baby has made further disturbing claims about the educator, including that she asked a child to join her at the beach.

The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed their child said Naomi Tekea Craig would often take children out of lessons at Frederick Irwin Anglican School during class time.

Craig also once asked their child to visit the beach with her at the weekend and would ply them with lollies.

Last week Craig admitted in court to multiple counts of sexually abusing a 12-year-old former student — the boy who went on to become a young father.

Frederick Irwin has introduced a “wellbeing response” as part of its return-to-school response to the case, giving students, parents and staff access to pastoral care, wellbeing and support. Additional pastoral carers have been brought in.

School leaders were also receiving additional guidance and training to ensure students were supported with clear, age-appropriate information.

A school spokesperson also confirmed the principal was engaging with every parent and carer who contacted the school.

In Mandurah Magistrates Court last Tuesday, Craig admitted to engaging in sexual conduct with the victim from August 2024.

According to the spokesperson, the victim left Frederick Irwin in October 2024.

“It is the school’s understanding that he was not enrolled at the school at the time the criminal offences occurred,” the spokesperson added.

“It is the school’s understanding that offences did not take place on school premises, nor in connection with any school activity.”

The spokesperson said there were no complaints made about Craig before the arrest.

Frederick Irwin’s spokesperson confirmed the school was cooperating fully with police and adhering to communication protocols including confidentiality, processes and timelines.

Craig was a former student at the school and began working there in 2024, becoming popular with staff and parents.

On December 17, while on maternity leave, the community was shocked when Craig appeared in court facing two counts of sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16, persistent sexual conduct with a child under 16 and possessing child exploitation material.

After Craig gave birth to an infant on January 8, DNA testing was performed on the placenta, which found a link between the newborn and her victim.

As a result, Craig was charged with a further 11 offences, including five counts of sexual penetration of a child under 13, two counts of sexually penetrating a child aged 13 to 16 and indecent dealings with a child under 13, indecently dealing with a child under her authority, and possessing child exploitation material.

The Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia confirmed last week that Craig’s registration was cancelled.

Frederick Irwin defended its rigorous recruitment processes on Monday, with the spokesperson saying safeguarding practices had been in place for a decade.

All staff employed at the school are interviewed multiple times by different leaders, and detailed reference checks are undertaken, including direct conversations.

Staff members must also undergo mandatory annual training, which includes acknowledging a code of conduct and child-safe policies.

Training covers child safety, mandatory reporting, reportable conduct, grooming behaviours, professional boundaries, and creating child-safe environments in person and online.

Staff members are also regularly observed, coached and supported to maintain high standards of professional practice.

Age-appropriate child safety education programs, including Protective Behaviours, Keeping Safe and Friendly Schools, are delivered to all students from kindergarten through to year 12.

“The school commends the prompt action of the police and unequivocally supports justice for the victim,” the spokesperson added.