A former Newington College teacher, Deandra Kontou, has been charged with nine alleged sexual offences involving a student she taught; police believe the student was under 16 at the time. The case has prompted attention because Kontou is reportedly still employed and being paid by New South Wales’ Department of Education while on bail, though she has been removed from teaching duties.

Kontou, 32, taught at Newington until 2019 and later worked at Georges River College Senior Campus, where she was teaching when arrested; the reported charges do not relate to that school. Her bail conditions include weekly police reporting and a ban on entering schools or taking teaching work involving contact with children. She is due at Burwood Local Court on 25 November, and Newington’s acting deputy head has written to parents acknowledging the distressing news and expressing support for the alleged victim and family.