A man who pleaded guilty to child abuse charges while he worked at St Peters Anglican Primary School Campbelltown in the 1980s has received a suspended sentence.
Last Friday, May 1, Joseph Lefcovitch received a 19 month suspended sentence at Campbelltown Court
Later that day, just before 5pm, the school sent an email to parents to inform them of the court’s decision.
“In February, I advised you that a person formerly associated with St Peter’s Anglican Primary School plead guilty to offences related to the abuse of a child at St Peters Anglican Primary School. These offences occurred in the 1980s,’’ said the email, which was signed by Brendan Gorman, Head of School.
“Today the matter returned to court for sentencing,’’ Mr Gorman went on to say.
When the school sent an email to parents in February to apologise, the defendant was not named by the school, but he was on Friday.
“We are sincerely sorry and unreservedly apologise that abuse of students took place while they attended the school,’’ the school said in the February 4 email.
“We have fully cooperated with Police and other authorities as they have investigated the matter and will continue to do so,’’ the school said in the email, sent two days after Joseph Lefcovitch had appeared in Campbelltown Court to plead guilty to child abuse charges.
Friday’s email from Mr Gorman also said to parents:
“I reiterate that any abuse against children is abhorrent. I continue to encourage anyone who would like to report instances of child abuse to contact NSW Police or alternatively the Professional Standards Unit of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney on 1800 774 945.
“The school continues to closely monitor its child protection procedures to ensure we provide the safest possible environment for our students.
“Should you wish to discuss this matter in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.’’
Brendan Gorman
Head of School
