A woman has been charged with grooming a child while employed as a teacher at a school in Brisbane.
Child Protection and Investigation Unit detectives charged Indooroopilly State High School teacher Chelsea Jane Edwards, from Paradise Point on the Gold Coast, on March 10.
According to the school’s website, she acted as the sports co-ordinator.
Police will allege Ms Edwards, 28, had contact with the boy socially outside of school on various occasions from July 2022, when the grooming offences allegedly commenced.
The charges follow a complaint made to police in February.
Ms Edwards is facing two charges of grooming and one count of indecent treatment of a child under 16.
She will front Southport Magistrates Court on May 2.
In a statement, the Department of Education said they were aware of the charges, saying the “safety and wellbeing of students” was their highest priority.
A spokeswoman said they were unable to comment on matters before the courts “to ensure ongoing investigations and legal proceedings are not compromised”.
“The Department acknowledges that the allegations are serious and upsetting for all involved,” the spokeswoman said.
“We have been providing extensive wraparound support to the school community in question, and we will continue to do so.”
Executive Principal Michael Hornsby sent a letter to parents and carers on Tuesday to addressing “allegations of a serious nature”.
“First and foremost, I want to reassure you that we treat the safety and welfare of our children, our students, as our highest priority at all times,’ he wrote.
“While I appreciate your desire to understand the specifics of this matter, I am sure you would understand that I am unable to go into any details for legal reasons.
“In that respect I ask you to consider refraining from providing commentary about the issue on social media or other forums.
“Support services are available for anyone who may require assistance.
“Thank you for your continuing support of our school.”
– With NCA NewsWire