NOTICE TO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY – 7th September 2022

Wednesday 7 September 2022

Dear Parents/ Caregivers

As you may have seen in media reports a former teacher at our school Mr Howard Wynyard has been sentenced in relation to historic charges relating to offending at Dilworth School.

We can confirm this person has not been a staff member since 2014 (when he was the Deputy Principal) and has not been in our school as a reliever since March 2020.

We know that this information will be unsettling to our current and former families.  Our thoughts and support are with survivors and their whanau. We acknowledge the suffering they have endured because of this person’s offending.

We can assure you we take very seriously the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students. We have recently reviewed all policies and procedures relating to student wellbeing, to ensure our students are safe in our school setting.  We have also developed a Historic Claims procedure which can be found on our school website.

It is very important to us that you feel confident about the ongoing and rigorous steps that we take to ensure the school is a happy and safe place for your child. If you have any questions, concerns or feedback as they relate to our school, or if you would like any further information about the policies and procedures that we use please do not hesitate to contact the Principal through the school office.

Police have also confirmed to us that if anyone has any information or concerns relating to this matter then you are encouraged to contact them directly.

In the meantime, we will be doing everything possible to ensure that this does not distract our staff and students from building on the successes already achieved this year. The wellbeing of students and staff is always our top priority.

With sincerest thanks

Pauline Cornwell
Principal
On behalf of the school Board