A FORMER McClelland College teacher has been charged with child sexual offences.
Orhan Sahin taught high school science at McClelland Secondary College in Frankston from 2023 until May 2024, and worked as a casual relief teacher in 2022. On 13 May, McClelland College principal Laura Dowdell Spence sent a letter to parents informing them that Sahin had been charged with child sexual offences.
“Given the serious nature of these charges, I wanted to ensure you were notified of this very concerning news as soon as possible. I will also be notifying families of former students who were here at the same time as Orhan Sahin, and who have since graduated,” the letter read. “I acknowledge that any information relating to child sexual offending can be distressing and can trigger a range of emotions. In terms of support for our students, our wellbeing team is available if your child is impacted by this news.
“I commend the courage it takes for people to speak up and report criminal or other concerning behaviour that they have experienced or that they become aware of. Out of respect for the privacy and wellbeing of any person directly impacted by these charges, and to ensure we don’t interfere with the court process, I ask for your sensitivity when discussing or sharing information about this matter in the community.”
Sahin’s teaching registration was suspended on 13 June, 2024.
