A former Launceston Church Grammar student has launched legal action against the school alleging historical physical, sexual and emotional abuse during the period from 1966 to 1970.
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A writ lodged with the Supreme Court of Tasmania alleges that the boy told a senior teacher about his abuse but nothing was done.
Through Sydney law firm Koffels, he alleges anal rape by an older boarder on numerous occasions over six to 12 months in 1966.
There are seven to 13 allegations of having his pants pulled down and his penis being touched and attempts to penetrate his anus, both with a stick.
Another allegation is that he was pushed around and surrounded by five boarders in the showers and being forced to masturbate while they watched.
The writ alleges that the student told a senior boarding house master that he had been sexually abused in the ways described.
The teacher] took no steps in response to what the plaintiff told him about his sexual abuse
- The writ alleges
He said the abuse continued after the report to the senior teacher.
A notice of appearance was lodged with the Supreme Court on behalf of the school on Monday.
Headmaster Richard Ford wrote to the school community on Tuesday.
"While we aim for openness and transparency in our communications the claim is yet to be reviewed and as such no further commentary may be shared other than to say that the school apologises wholeheartedly to any alumni who have been sexually abused while in the care of the school," he wrote.
"The safety and protection of all students is our highest priority and the school is currently working through the process to be externally accredited as an Australian Childhood Foundation Safeguarding Children."
Mr Ford said the school was the first educational institution in Northern Tasmania to enter the National Redress Scheme as part of the school's approach to providing acknowledgement and support to people who experienced child sexual abuse.
"Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime and the school takes all matters of alleged sexual abuse very seriously," Mr Ford said.
The writ alleges the man suffered physical and psychiatric injuries consisting of major depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
"The physical, sexual and emotional abuse and the plaintiff's injuries were caused by breaches of duty of care by the defendant," the writ alleges.
The complainant is claiming damages, interest and costs.
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