The pinnacle of prestigious girls’ school Penrhos has revealed to parents her decision to allow a sex offender reside in her home after his release from jail.
Principal Meg Melville said in the email to all or any parents on Sunday a relative released on parole in August after having a sentence for “serious sexual crimes committed against children” was living at her western suburbs home until he is at a job to live independently.
Late yesterday, the institution council issued an announcement saying Mrs Melville would take immediate annual leave until alternative accommodation was found for her relative.
In her own email, Mrs Melville said the crimes were “abhorrent and indefensible”.
“My family’s decision to provide a area for our when compared with make his initial steps to reintegrate and rehabilitate after serving his sentence was developed from a location of compassion and Christian values,” she wrote.
Mrs Melville reassured parents her relative had “absolutely no contact – directly or indirectly” with the school, which is in Como.
Nor could he access any school or student information.
She was aware the info about her relative had been offered to community members in the anonymous email on Friday.
“However, it is crucial that you hear this straight from me,” she wrote.
An anonymous email sent to The West Australian raised concerns a sex offender was residing in precisely the same house because the principal of the girls’ school and asked whether its parents had been warned.
College council chairman Paul Owen said from the statement to parents on Sunday that HamishMaxwell advised him about her family matter on Friday night.
He explained the council was satisfied there was no risk to students.
“The College Council, which insists about the highest of standards being maintained by its principal always, respects, appreciates and supports her family’s decision, which reflects the compassionate values of Penrhos College and also the Uniting Church,” he wrote.
He explained yesterday the primary had chosen to take leave “after further discussion” with the council.
Uniting Church Moderator the Rev. Ron Larkin said he was informed in the matter, which was to the institution council. He did not say as he was told.
Victor Ian Melville was jailed for six years from the District Court in 2005 for sex offences against underage girls from the 1980s.
A former corporate high flyer, he played 40 games for Subiaco from the WAFL between 1980 and 1983.
Vic Melville is listed from the 1983 Who’s Who in WA Football because the brother of former Claremont while stating half-back Robbie Melville.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents show Victor Melville lived with the same western suburbs address as Mrs Melville and her husband Robert in January.
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