Langwarrin, Victoria – The principal of Langwarrin Park Primary School, Richard Barren, has been charged with possessing child abuse material following an investigation by local authorities reports the Herald Sun.
Parents of children attending Langwarrin Park Primary School received an alarming letter from the Department of Education detailing that Principle Richard Barren had been charged with a criminal offence relating to possession of child abuse material.
A distraught reader from STPL News and a parent at the school sent a through copy of the letter addressed to parents from the Department of Education:
“Dear Langwarrin Park Primary School parents and carers,
I am sorry to be sending such concerning news at the start of a new school year, but I need to inform you that principal, Richard Barron, has this week been charged with a criminal offence relating to possession of child abuse material.”
The letter opened.
Parents are being encouraged to have a conversation about personal safety.
“It is important that you know that at this stage there is no information to suggest that any student at the school has been impacted by the alleged offending.”
“I acknowledge that this notification may trigger a range of emotions, and that it will impact different people in different ways. In terms of support for our students, Sharna Dean-Wright (Acting Assistant Principal – Wellbeing) is available if your child is impacted by this matter or if you have any concerns you would like to discuss.“Regardless of the impact, I would encourage you to have conversations with your child/children on a regular basis about personal safety.”
Deb Harrow has since been appointed as the acting principal of Langwarrin Park Primary School. At this stage, he has not faced disciplinary action by the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
“I have asked Deb Haddow to act as principal at Langwarrin Park Primary School. Deb has been acting in the principal role recently, and the region will provide any support required.”
STPL News note that Richard Barren appears to have been swiftly removed from the school’s website.
The school and authorities are keeping a tight lid on the matter as investigations continue.
“As there is an ongoing police investigation, we are unable to provide any further information but will update you when we are able. In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with the school and other parts of the Department of Education to ensure all appropriate steps are taken, with child safety and wellbeing our paramount concern.”
This situation has understandably shocked the Langwarrin community and has reverberated across the Mornington Peninsula. Key questions now arise: How was the alleged offence detected? What safeguards were in place, and were they sufficient? What steps will the Department of Education take to ensure transparency and accountability? As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students and restoring trust within the school community.
