Former teacher at Methodist Ladies’ College charged with sexual assault of a student

Consensus Summary

A former teacher at Melbourne’s prestigious Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) has been charged with three counts of sexual assault against a student under 17. Kam Kenny-Jones, 32, was arrested in October after police executed a warrant at his Thornbury home, following an investigation into allegations that he assaulted a student in July at Mont Albert. The school confirmed that Kenny-Jones, who taught students in years 7 to 12, was stood down in September after serious concerns were raised and subsequently terminated. All three outlets agree that the charges stem from breaches of the school’s professional boundaries and child safety policies, with MLC notifying parents via an email sent on Monday evening.

The timeline of events leading to the charges reveals a pattern of institutional response. According to all sources, MLC became aware of concerns about Kenny-Jones in September and immediately removed him from his teaching duties while reporting the matter to police. The school’s decision to terminate his employment followed an internal investigation, though ABC specifies that the termination occurred this year after policy violations were confirmed. THEAGE notes that Kenny-Jones had worked at MLC for five years prior to his dismissal, while ABC clarifies he was employed until the end of last term. The consistency across sources underscores the school’s swift action once concerns were raised, though the exact timing of his arrest varies slightly between reports.

Key figures in the case include Kenny-Jones, the accused teacher, and MLC principal Julia O’Shea, who authored the email to parents. O’Shea emphasized the importance of parents guiding their children through the news, stating in THEAGE and ABC that she believed families were best positioned to address the sensitive topic. The principal also personally contacted parents of students who had classroom contact with Kenny-Jones, offering support. Meanwhile, police confirmed the charges in a statement, detailing the nature of the alleged offenses and the victim’s age, though 7NEWS provides additional legal context by referencing Victoria Legal Aid’s guidelines on sexual assault charges for minors aged 12 to 17.

While the core facts of the story align closely, discrepancies emerge in specific details. THEAGE does not specify the exact date of the assault or arrest, whereas ABC and 7NEWS pinpoint July 2 and October 2, respectively. Similarly, THEAGE refers to Kenny-Jones appearing in court in December without a specific date, while ABC and 7NEWS state December 2. These variations, though minor, highlight the importance of precise reporting in high-stakes cases. Additionally, 7NEWS uniquely includes an outreach effort to alumni who graduated between 2020 and 2025, suggesting a broader concern for former students who may have interacted with Kenny-Jones during his tenure.

The next steps in the case are clear: Kenny-Jones has been granted bail and will face court proceedings in December. As this matter is before the courts, MLC has declined to comment further, focusing instead on supporting affected students and staff. The school’s priority remains the welfare of its community, with resources available for those seeking assistance. While the legal process unfolds, the reporting from THEAGE, ABC, and 7NEWS provides a comprehensive account of how the allegations were investigated, the institutional response, and the broader implications for the school’s alumni and current students.