Message to CBC Alumni

17 August 2022

CBC Fremantle Principal, Mr Domenic Burgio, calls for past students to reach out if any concerns have been raised by recent media reports.

Dear CBC Alumnus1h1a0993.jpg

I hope this email finds you well – our community wellbeing is always our priority and it is with this in mind that I write to you about recent media stories. The reports refer to the case currently before the courts that involves a former Priest who served as Chaplain to the Christian Brothers College Primary School on Tuckfield Street in the early 1980s.

Child safety should be the most important feature of any community and it is a tragedy that this safety has not always been extended to all young people. You can rest assured that CBC Fremantle is committed to the safety of our students and all of our child safety practices exist to ensure the most vulnerable of our boys are protected.

We cannot change what happened in the past, but it is critical that we honour the survivors and victims of institutionalised abuse by doing our utmost to acknowledge any abuse in the first instance, provide solace as best we can, and put in place steps that try to ensure child abuse and covering up never happens again.

If the media coverage has prompted any concerns in relation to historical sexual abuse at any institution, I urge you to contact Edmund Rice Education Australia, the police or myself. All matters are taken very seriously and passed on to the relevant authorities, and we also encourage all victims to seek assistance through the National Redress Scheme.

The Royal Commission showed us that many people who are the victims or survivors of child abuse have suffered in silence. I commit to you that you will be believed, that you will be supported, and that you will be provided with the opportunity to be empowered to speak up.

My mobile number is below, and please do not hesitate to contact me at any time, or email domenicb@cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our upcoming events, including the Over 60s' Morning Tea and the All Ages Reunion with the unveiling of the restored original school building that you all know so well. Many Old Boys have gained a lot of comfort from returning to their College, and you are very welcome to visit any time.

God Bless you.

Warm regards

Domenic Burgio
Principal

Mobile 0400 880 861