The following statement has been released today (February 19, 2020) by the Principal of Parade College Andy Kuppe (1983);

Dear Parents and Members of the Parade Community,

I write to advise that a former staff member of Parade College in the 1980s, Br Rex Elmer, last week pleaded guilty in the County Court to two counts of unlawfully and indecently assaulting children at St Vincent's Orphanage in the 1970s. Br Rex Elmer was the Administrator of the Alphington Campus from 1982 to 1985. Parade College respects the legal process underway and its role in providing justice to those who have experienced abuse as children. These matters in relation to Br Rex Elmer remain before the courts, as such the College refrains from commenting further on them.

What I do want to say to our Community today is that Parade College is a safe place for all our students and we have in place all the necessary policies and procedures to ensure the protection of all our children.

It goes without saying that the College abhors the abuse of children, whose social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing is central to our purpose and mission . That any child was abused - no matter how long ago - is a tragedy. Parade College continues to stand in solidarity with those that have experienced abuse as children.

I believe it is worthwhile to remind the Parade College Community that our College, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) and the Oceania Province of the Christian Brothers have a number of established mechanisms in place to report any concerns of child abuse and/or can make further contact:

Allegations prior to 2007

Mr Shane Wall Executive Officer

Professional Standards Office Christian Brothers Oceania

PO Box 851, Parkville VIC 3052

P: 03 8359 0109

E swall@edmundrice.org

Allegations from 2007

Mr Michael Horsley Director of Safeguarding

Edmund Rice Education Australia

PO Box 91, Richmond VIC 3121

P 03 9426 3200

E michael.horsley_@erea.edu.au

People who have experienced, or know of someone who has experienced child abuse are strongly encouraged to contact police.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of Parade College students and staff is my absolute priority and I will continue to focus on maintaining the high standard of care and education we provide each day. If you have any concerns about this matter, please contact my office on 94683300.

Sincerely yours,

Mr Andy Kuppe

Principal