A teacher from a prominent private school south of Perth is set to face court after being charged by specialist child abuse detectives over alleged sexual offences involving a teenage student.
Allegations Span Multiple Years
Naomi Tekea Craig, aged 33, from the coastal suburb of Silver Sands, has been charged with two counts of sexually penetrating a child while in a position of authority. The alleged abuse is said to have occurred between 2024 and 2025 while she was employed as a teacher at Frederick Irwin Anglican School in the Peel region.
In addition to these charges, Craig will also answer to one count of possessing child exploitation material and one count of persistent sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16. Her first court appearance is scheduled for January 27 at the Mandurah Magistrates Court.
School Responds to Arrest
Frederick Irwin Anglican School moved quickly to inform parents of the situation, sending a letter on Tuesday confirming a teacher's arrest. The school emphasised that the allegations "do not involve any current student" at the institution.
In their statement, the school administration confirmed the teacher had been suspended from duty and instructed not to attend the school premises. "The information available to the school suggests that there is no need for any concern for any other children at the school," the letter assured parents.
Police Priority on Child Protection
Western Australia Police released a statement acknowledging the distressing nature of such reports for the wider community. "Protecting children and ensuring their safety is our highest priority," a police spokesperson said.
The statement highlighted the work of specialist detectives and support services who investigate these sensitive matters and provide care for victims. Police urged anyone with information regarding sexual abuse to come forward by contacting them on 131 444 or via the anonymous Safe2Say online reporting platform.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
