Students rally around 'wonderful' teacher, sacked in texting scandal
Adelaide school students have rallied around their teacher who was dismissed after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a student.
The Pembroke School students were informed via email that PE and Health teacher Jaimie Holland was sacked after more than 20 years of service.
It’s understood Mr Holland was involved in an after hours text message exchange between himself and a student.
A friend of the teenage student reported the communication to the school.
Since Seven News reported the dismissal on Thursday night, Mr Holland’s supporters have rallied online with more than 350 signatures in a petition to clear his name.
“I am writing this petition on behalf of many of the Pembroke students in order to allow Mr Holland and his family to be free from media scrutiny and come out from the shadows. After 28 years of service to our school, I think this is the least that can be done,” the petition read.
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Many students posted that Mr Holland was their favourite staff member who had provided support as the Dean of student welfare.
"Mr Holland is a top bloke, not a man that would do something like this," one student posted.
“Mr Holland is an amazing teacher and an even better human being. Wouldn’t be where I am today without his help and guidance,” another posted.
“I am signing this as Mr Holland was my previous Maths teacher. His personality does not match what the media shows and this should be recognised,” another said.
Mr Holland was stood down on Tuesday with teachers at Pembroke School informed at a staff meeting on Wednesday.
In a statement, Pembroke School said the veteran teacher had been dismissed in relation to professional misconduct.
The Teachers’ Registration Board has confirmed it’s been notified about Mr Holland’s dismissal.
The board said it was waiting on reports from police and the school before it makes a decision.
