The father of former Bishops teacher and water polo coach Fiona Viotti has not resigned.

Dave Mallett, who is in charge of rugby at the prestigious Cape school, as well as the director of Founders House, has sent a letter to parents of the 75 boarders he oversees, addressing the “devastating” week that his family has suffered through.

His daughter stands accused of having had a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old matric pupil at the school, after marrying her long-term boyfriend last year.

TimesLIVE reports that Mallett sent the following:

“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.

founders.bishops.org.za

“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.”

Fiona has not headed to the UK, says her lawyer, William Booth, who added that “she’s under a lot of stress” when he spoke with News24.

A reminder that if you’re in possession of the explicit images and videos purported to be doing the rounds, or are forwarding them on, you’re breaking the law, and you’re also being a terrible person.

Bishops principal Guy Pearson told parents last week that the school has hired an attorney to investigate:

“We understand that there will be lots of questions but please appreciate that this is a matter which needs to be managed with utmost sensitivity and I cannot share more information at this stage,” he said.

At this stage, there are five pupils believed to have come forward with allegations of sexual involvement with Viotti, two of whom have already finished their schooling.

Pearson also added that Pete Farlam, a clinical psychologist employed at the school, would make arrangements “to assist anyone affected by the conduct of the teacher”.

There are less than two weeks until the final round of matric exams kicks off, and the family of the pupil involved have requested privacy so that he can adequately prepare.

[sources:timeslive&news24]