Aust principal sacked over abuse claims

A Catholic primary school principal and two senior Catholic education officers have been sacked by the Catholic Church following allegations of sexual abuse at a Toowoomba school.

Bishop of Toowoomba William Morris said that although the three had not conspired to cover up the allegations, they were guilty of serious errors of judgment.

The teacher at the centre of the allegations faces 12 counts of rape and 34 of indecent treatment of 13 children under 12 years and is expected to face court again in coming days.

Despite the fact the school principal was found not guilty in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court of failing to provide a written report to police, he and the other two staff members made unacceptable errors of judgment, Bishop Morris said.

"They failed to respond appropriately to the information received from documenting the concerns to actioning and responding to them," Bishop Morris said.

"They had an obligation to do everything necessary to ensure that the protection of children in their care remained paramount. They failed in that duty."

The principal attended a public farewell for the accused teacher despite having reasonable suspicion of abuse, Bishop Morris said.

He said in a statement that the two senior education officers possessed enough information that should have triggered mandatory reporting requirements to the church and initiated police action against the accused teacher.

"These events strike at the heart of our church's mission and values," Bishop Morris said.

- AAP