A former geography instructor at Newington College in Sydney, Australia, has been charged with multiple offenses related to the sexual abuse of a student under the age of 16. Deandra Kontou, aged 32, faces nine charges stemming from incidents that reportedly occurred over a six-month period in 2017.

Details of the Allegations

According to court records, the charges include grooming and sexual assault, with some incidents allegedly occurring during a school-sponsored trip to Fitzroy Island. Prosecutors claim that Kontou displayed inappropriate material to the student, communicated with him via messages, and coerced him into engaging in sexual activities.

These incidents are said to have taken place during regular school hours within the Stanmore building of Newington College.

Background and Response

Kontou, who was known as Ms. Haralambidis while working at the institution, departed from the elite private school—where annual tuition exceeds $33,000—after the allegations were raised in 2019. Following her resignation, she was later employed at Georges River College, a public high school, beginning in 2024.

Recently, she was arrested and granted bail with specific conditions, including surrendering her passport and reporting to police daily. In response to the allegations, the New South Wales Department of Education has revoked her teaching accreditation.

Upcoming Legal Proceedings

Kontou is scheduled to appear next month in Burwood Local Court. Her case follows another disturbing matter involving a Newington College staff member, Benjamin David Collinge, who was charged with grooming a 14-year-old girl online earlier this year.

Newington College has stated that any behavior violating professional standards or legal statutes is not tolerated, emphasizing its commitment to a safe educational environment.

About Newington College

Newington College is a distinguished K-12 institution serving both boys and girls across its campuses. The college boasts a history of producing notable alumni, including prominent government officials and members of royalty from Pacific island nations such as Tonga and Fiji.