Teacher at prestigious Melbourne girls’ school charged with sexual assault of student
A teacher at Melbourne private school Methodist Ladies’ College has been charged with the alleged sexual assault of a student who was under his care.
Kam Kenny-Jones, 32, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault of a child aged 16 or 17 under care, supervision or authority over an alleged assault in Mont Albert on July 2.
Kam Kenny-Jones is accused of sexually assaulting a child in Mont Albert on July 2. Supplied
Principal Julia Shea wrote to families on Monday after the college was informed of the charges, telling parents the news could be “very confronting and unsettling for our community”.
“In September, concerns about Mr Kenny-Jones were brought to the College’s attention.
“We immediately stood him down from his duties that day while we investigated and reported the matter to the relevant authorities, including Victoria Police.
“His employment was subsequently terminated.”
She said the school had decided not to tell students directly because parents and carers were best placed to determine how to discuss the matter with their children.
Kenny-Jones taught students in Years 7 to 12 and remained at the school until the end of last term.
An MLC teacher has charged over the alleged sexual assault of a student. Ken Irwin
According to his LinkedIn profile, he had worked as a geography teacher at MLC since 2021.
It also states that he worked as a tennis coach from 2013 to 2018 and studied at the University of Melbourne in 2017 and 2018.
Senior school leaders also personally contacted parents of students who had been taught by Kenny-Jones to check on their welfare and offer support.
Families were urged to contact the school’s child protection officer if they or their children had any safety concerns involving Kenny-Jones or another staff member.
Shea also asked students and families not to speculate about the identity of anyone who may be involved.
“We know there will naturally be questions, but rumours and speculation could be very distressing, particularly for students who may be directly affected,” she wrote.
The school said its wellbeing teams had been briefed and support would remain available to students.
“Our focus is on caring for our students and staff, ensuring support is available and protecting the privacy and wellbeing of students who may be directly affected,” MLC said in a statement.
“The welfare of our students remains our highest priority.”
Kenny-Jones has been granted bail and will face Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on December 2.
MLC said it would not comment further while the matter was before the courts.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
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