Male teacher tells parents of becoming a woman

The deputy principal of a southern suburbs primary school has written to parents to tell them he is undergoing a gender transition to become a woman.

In the letter, sent yesterday and referred to on 6PR this morning, the deputy principal wrote: “Since the start of this year, I have begun a process of gender transition.

“You may have noticed some changes in my appearance already.

“These changes will continue to occur slowly as I embark on the next phase of this journey in the coming months, which will ultimately see me live my life as a woman.

"Whilst I appreciate that gender reassignment is not common place and you may feel uncertain or anxious as to how my transition may impact on your child, I wish to reassure you that in terms of my role in the school, nothing will change."

The teacher said the Department of Education had been very supportive.

"It is a private matter and the school community received a letter that explains everything, so we are not going to comment any further," a Department of Education spokesman said.

The decision on whether to discuss the issue with children was left up to parents but in the letter the deputy principal suggested online information and said he was also happy to answer general questions for the school community.