Content warning: This article discusses allegations of child sexual abuse. St Robert’s School is located in Newtown, Geelong. Picture: Brad Fleet A former student of St Robert’s School in Geelong has commenced legal proceedings against Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools over allegations that he was sexually abused by the school’s former principal during the 1980s. The case, in which Arnold Thomas & Becker represents the former student, was recently reported by the Herald Sun and Geelong Advertiser.The plaintiff cannot be identified for legal reasons. Allegations against former principal In a writ filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria in March 2026, the plaintiff alleges that he was groomed and repeatedly sexually abused by former St Robert’s School principal Peter White. The alleged abuse is said to have occurred in the principal’s office after the plaintiff was taken there under the guise of being disciplined. Court documents allege that the former principal forced the plaintiff to sit on his lap while threatening him with a strap. The plaintiff alleges that the conduct later escalated to repeated sexual abuse. It is further alleged that the former principal gave the plaintiff sweets following incidents of abuse and forced him to remain close to him during recess and lunch breaks. The alleged abuse is said to have ended after the plaintiff transferred to another school in August 1990. The plaintiff alleges that Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools breached the duty of care owed to him and is seeking damages for the injuries and losses he says he has suffered. The allegations have not yet been determined by a court. Positions of authority must never be used to isolate children Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer Madison Duffy said the allegations showed how positions of authority could be exploited to isolate vulnerable children. “Our client alleges that he was taken into the principal’s office under the guise of discipline before being groomed and abused,” Ms Duffy said. “Our client alleges that he was subjected to repeated sexual abuse by a person who occupied the most senior position at his primary school and was entrusted with his safety and wellbeing.” Ms Duffy said schools have a fundamental responsibility to protect the children placed in their care. “This includes having effective safeguards, proper supervision and clear avenues through which children can safely report concerning behaviour,” she said. “Children should never be placed in a situation where they are isolated with an adult who holds significant authority over them without appropriate oversight or safeguards.” “The proceeding alleges that opportunities to identify and investigate warning signs were missed. Institutions must have systems that allow concerning conduct to be recognised, reported and acted upon before further harm can occur.” The effects of childhood abuse can continue into adulthood The plaintiff alleges that the abuse had a profound and lasting impact on his mental health, education, employment and broader life. Ms Duffy said the consequences of childhood sexual abuse do not simply disappear when a survivor reaches adulthood. “For many survivors, the effects of childhood abuse can shape almost every part of their lives,” she said. “This can include their relationships, education, employment, mental health and ability to trust others.” Ms Duffy acknowledged the courage required to speak about alleged abuse and pursue accountability many years later. “Seeking accountability for events that allegedly occurred during childhood can be an extremely difficult and confronting process,” she said. Matter listed for trial in Geelong Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools told the media that Peter White stopped working at St Robert’s School in 1994 and has not worked at a school operated by the organisation since that time. The organisation declined to comment further while the proceeding remains before the court.The matter is currently listed for trial in Geelong in September 2026. You can read the original coverage via the Herald Sun. Support for survivors of school sexual abuse Arnold Thomas & Becker represents survivors of child sexual abuse and investigates allegations involving schools and institutions across Australia. If you experienced sexual abuse at a school, even if it occurred many years ago, you may still have legal options. You do not need to remember every date or detail before seeking advice. Our experienced abuse lawyers can listen to your experience, explain your rights and investigate information that may support a claim. To speak confidentially with Australia’s leading abuse lawyers, call Arnold Thomas & Becker on 1300 333 300 or complete our online enquiry form. Arnold Thomas & Becker acts for the plaintiff in this proceeding. The allegations described in this article have not been determined by a court.