[ad_1]
TVNZ
The principal of Gloriavale School has retired
The New Zealand Board of Teaching is investigating the former principal of Gloriavale Faithful Pilgrim School after receiving allegations that he did not keep the students safe.
Pilgrim was removed from office over claims that he had failed to act for a teacher abusing a child, according to the Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust.
In a statement released Monday, the trust said Pilgrim had recently resigned from the position on the advice of his attorney.
There were concerns from former members regarding the alleged knowledge of Pilgrim and the cover-up of child abuse by staff and other children and alleged harassment of members in their role as “pastor” in Gloriavale, the trust said.
READ MORE:
* The Teaching Council reopens a 23-year investigation into an alleged case of ‘failed’ sexual harassment
* Those leaving Gloriavale launch a petition and protest to get a government investigation
* The second senior member leaves the Gloriavale secret sect due to management concerns
* Gloriavale withdraws calling for a new investigation in the community
Teacher Just Standfast admitted to a sexual misconduct charge with a child in March of last year and was later sentenced to six months in community detention and two years of intensive supervision.
It is alleged that Pilgrim knew of the allegations against Standfast when they first surfaced, but was still allowed to teach.
Joseph Johnson / Stuff
A protest against Gloriavale was held in front of the Christchurch City Hall, prior to The Press Leaders Debate in October.
Stuff’s requests to speak to senior leaders in Gloriavale were turned down on Monday, with one person saying “no one here is interested”, another saying “we don’t talk to reporters” and saying he had no comment.
The Board of Teaching received a complaint about Pilgrim’s alleged misconduct from Liz Gregory, the trust manager, on August 10.
A principal investigator later confirmed that he was “investigating the allegation that Faithful Pilgrim failed to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.”
Lesley Hoskin, executive director of the Teaching Council, said Stuff: “The Teaching Council has received a notification regarding [Faithful Pilgrim] and that notification is currently being investigated by the [Complaints Assessment Committee]. “
Alden Williams / Stuff
Gloriavale is located on the west coast of New Zealand.
In a statement released Monday, the support trust said Pilgrim had recently retired from the position on the advice of his attorney.
The pilgrim’s certification to teach expired at the end of October, the Teaching Council’s record shows, which, according to Hoskin, meant he had decided not to renew it.
Hoskin did not confirm the trust’s claims that the Teaching Council had conducted interviews with former members, saying the investigation was confidential.
Pilgrim has spent more than 40 years in the isolated religious commune, much of this time as the principal of the school, according to supporters’ confidence.
Standfast, whose crime came to light when the courts publicly named him last December, avoided jail time after indecently touching and kissing his “favorite” student.
In 2012, he indecently assaulted the 9-year-old girl, repeatedly kissed her and exposed himself on a bed during a play break.
He admitted to a charge of sexual misconduct with a child and was sentenced to six months in community detention and two years of intensive supervision.
supplied
Gloriavale Christian Community senior leader Howard Temple (pictured) could not be reached for comment Monday.
Gregory said she was frustrated when attempts to alert authorities to the alleged danger the children were in were not immediately taken seriously and investigated, prompting her to complain to the Teaching Council on behalf of several graduates who expressed concern.
Gregory said emails he sent to the Education Ministry with concerns about alleged abuse, lack of access to equal education for girls, use of put-downs and harsh treatment at school were mostly unanswered.
“What has been frustrating is that it took a phone call to the police, three emails to the Ministry of Education, a phone call from the Ministry of Education and finally a complaint from the Teaching Council, over a period of 18 months to obtain any action.
“I find it unacceptable when we talk about child safety.”
Former member Virginia Courage said she was aware of the allegations about Standfast.
“It was a kind of common knowledge. I remember the girls talking about it, but not knowing what to do.
“The children were never told anything that if something was happening to them, this is what they should do.”
Gregory claimed that various agencies are aware of allegations of sexual, physical and psychological abuse in Gloriavale, and have access to speak to former members who were willing to speak.
“It seems that everyone has been reluctant to open this huge can of worms.”
