More allegations have emerged about Melbourne Girls’ Grammar teacher David Simpson, who died suddenly after being reported to the police over alleged misconduct.
Last week, students at the $40,000 a year private girls’ school in South Yarra accused the father of two of inappropriate behaviour.
New claims have now been levelled by a student online, including allegations of Mr Simpson massaging female students, discussing orgasms, and holding private meetings in his office.
The school received initial complaints in February, accusing Mr Simpson of inappropriate touching.
Mr Simpson allegedly held “closed door meetings and multiple girls in his office all the time” and is alleged to have “massaged” female students.
He is also accused of sending an obscene photo to a student.
“They didn’t mention that he was being inappropriate even though we ALL knew,” the student wrote in a Reddit post.
“Our parents were worried about us but didn’t know why we were all not that sad. Then this week the school got honest, the only reason they got honest was because of the media not because of the truth.
“We are all angry as we complained about him and we know other teachers did too, yet the school ignored all of that. They waited until it got this bad.”
Another student wrote back saying multiple people had complained about Mr Simpson.
“You think the amount the parents pay, the teachers would listen to the students first after MULTIPLE GIRLS complained about him,” the student wrote.
Another claimed they left the school over the issue.
“I went to this school as well and left last year and all I can say is … best decision I ever made,” they said.
“The school never protects their students or teachers.”
Police are now investigating these claims, while furious parents continue to question why action wasn’t taken earlier.
The school has rejected accusations it acted too late, standing by its principal Dr Toni Meath.
“We reiterate that the school followed its child safety and mandatory reporting procedures, including notifying Victoria Police, and our priority remains on supporting students, staff, and families,” a school spokesperson told the Herald Sun.
“The school uses a variety of specialist recruitment firms, including for a current position announced in May, to appoint an additional Deputy Principal.
“Finally, there is no veracity to the suggestion that the principal’s position is under question.”
A disturbing tweet from a few years ago by Simpson revealed inappropriate comments about teaching female anatomy to students.
Signs of trouble were evident on Simpson’s Twitter feed prior to his death, with posts suggesting he was under some stress.
One day before his death, Simpson posted an image of a red-tinted Melbourne sunrise with the caption “Be a good day.”
“This past week has tested my mettle,” another post from June read.
“Every ounce of energy and patience has been called upon. Not to mention all the lessons I’ve learned over the journey.”