Parents at Illawong Public School in Sydney’s south have expressed outrage after their Year 6 children were allegedly subjected to a controversial classroom discussion on November 7th.
According to reports, students were asked to write down questions, which were then read aloud and answered by a staff member in front of the class. Some of these questions reportedly related to explicit sexual content and pornography.
When parents raised concerns with the school, they were informed that they had given consent through another unrelated program. The staff member allegedly justified the discussion as an attempt to address inappropriate conversations in the playground within a “safe space.”
However, parents have disputed this claim, stating that the topic was not age-appropriate and that they had not consented to such a discussion.
In response to the growing controversy, the NSW Education Department has taken action. The principal has been temporarily reassigned, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The department has apologized to the school community for the distress caused and has emphasized its commitment to providing age-appropriate education aligned with the curriculum.
Local MP Eleni Petinos has also voiced concerns on behalf of parents, who feel they have been left in the dark and are worried about the potential impact on their children’s emotional well-being.
Education Minister Prue Car has condemned the incident and assured parents that a thorough investigation is being conducted.