A support staff member at Endeavour Hills Specialist School in Melbourne’s south-east has been formally charged with child sexual abuse offences, prompting shock and concern among families and educators.
In a letter sent to parents and carers, the school’s principal revealed that Roshelle Kassab who joined the specialist school in January faces allegations that have yet to be detailed publicly. The notification acknowledged the emotional toll of the news and assured families that the school’s wellbeing team is available to support any student affected by discussions of the case, whether on campus or off.
Opened in 2022, Endeavour Hills Specialist School caters to 5- to 18-year-olds with intellectual disabilities, autism and other needs. According to last year’s census, roughly 225 students are enrolled, many of whom rely on consistent routines and trusted relationships to thrive.
A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Education described the charges as deeply concerning but declined further comment, citing an ongoing police investigation. Victoria Police has confirmed proceedings but has not disclosed details of the alleged offences or their timing, including whether they occurred on school grounds.
Ms Kassab is no longer employed at the school. Meanwhile, local advocacy groups and disability experts are calling for a transparent review of recruitment, screening and supervision practices in specialist settings, stressing that safeguarding vulnerable students must remain paramount.
As the legal process unfolds, Endeavour Hills Specialist School is under pressure to balance transparency with privacy, ensuring affected families receive clear information, while reinforcing the protective measures that underpin the trust parents place in specialist education environments.
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