Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Oakleigh

In 1934 six Sisters from the Institute of Our Lady of the Missions established Sacred Heart Parish School, which opened on June 25 in the parish hall with 59 students. In January 1936, the land on which the school currently stands was purchased. At the time 262 students were in attendance. By 1951 the pressure of growth had increased enrollment to more than 600 children. The junior school, in Mora Avenue, was completed in 1976. By 1982, after 48 years, the administration and staffing of the school passed from the Sisters to lay staff.

A data analysis of claims and substantiated complaints in relation to the Archdiocese of Melbourne by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2015, showed that the school had received 15 complaints and allegations in relation to the serial paedophile Father Kevin O’Donnell between 1973 to 1990. The Royal Commission also revealed that while Father Kevin O’Donnell was Chaplain at the school, he would prey on students  (and amongst other students at other schools within the parish) and the authorities in the Catholic Church would literally turn a blind eye to his activities during his 50-year career in the parish.

Moody Law (formerly Artemis Legal) has in the past represented clients who were students at this school.

We invite former students, teachers and parents to contact us to tell us confidentially what information they may have, and we will explain what options are available to help with these cases.

Call us or complete the below confidential enquiry form below.