Fiona Viotti’s father Dave Mallet has spoken out about the “distressing events” involving his daughter, Fiona Viotti who is the Bishops Diocesan College teacher under investigation for sexual misconduct with pupils.
Dave Mallett, the teacher in charge of rugby at Bishops Diocesan College from which Fiona Viotti resigned last week, broke his silence in a letter to parents.
Mallett is director of Founders House, home for 75 boarders at Bishops Diocesan College who each pay R260,000 a year to be educated at the Rondebosch school.
He spoke out following confirmation that Viotti left Bishops where she was the teacher in charge of water polo amid an investigation into allegations of relationships with pupils over several years.
Mallett, brother of former Springbok coach Nick Mallett, said in his letter:
“Thanks very much for the messages of support we have received in the wake of the devastating events involving my daughter, Fi, and our family as a whole.
“Tough times ahead, no doubt — but I’ll be soldiering on, supporting my family as best I can … and sticking to my post in Founders House, too.
“I’ve just met with the lads to say that, as far as is possible, I need them to keep their heads down (don’t tiptoe around me!) and try to adopt a ‘business as usual’ approach. I can’t let this derail their final term …
“Obviously Fiona’s health and safety is our priority right now and we will be doing all we can to help her pull through this.”
Bishops principal Guy Pearson told parents last week that the school has appointed an attorney to investigate allegations involving Viotti.
Adam Pike, chair of the Old Diocesans’ Union, said Pearson and Pete Farlam, a clinical psychologist and head of the support unit at Bishops, would make arrangements to assist anyone affected by the conduct of the teacher.
Fiona Viotti is the granddaughter of Anthony Mallett, who was the Bishops Diocesan College principal from 1964 to 1982. Dave Mallett began working at Bishops after being ousted as headmaster of Western Province Preparatory School in 2003.
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