Teens at Sydney private religious school made to share beds with teachers, inquiry hears

A NSW parliamentary inquiry heard allegations from former students of Redeemer Baptist School, a private religious school in western Sydney, including claims that students were made to share beds with teachers. Edward Garth, 23, told the committee that during a holiday “study-stay,” he saw principal Jonathon Cannon leave the bathroom and walk around the living area naked before going to his room; Garth said he reported it but was scolded after the incident was relayed to Cannon, Noel Cannon and his parents. Emma Hughes said the school’s culture left students to “untangle” issues later, citing anxiety on camps and bed-sharing in cabins. She said nothing untoward happened to her, and described public humiliations and a surveillance approach. The inquiry is examining management and government oversight.