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A top boys’ college has cancelled its boarding house’s centenary celebrations because “it’s not the right time” while it deals with abuse concerns.

A former staff member of St Bede’s College in Christchurch, a state-integrated Catholic school for boys, faces charges of sexually abusing four boys in the past and is before the courts.

The accused now faces a total of 11 charges. Six relate to an alleged indecent assault on a boy aged between 12 and 16, three charges relate to indecent assault on a man/boy over 16 and a further two are for unlawful sexual connection with a male over 16.

Police believed the 68-year-old targeted boys boarding at the school.

St Bede's College

St Bede’s was due to celebrate 100 years of boarding at the school in April. The college says it is the oldest Catholic boys’ school in the South Island and the only one to cater to boarders and day boys.

But college rector Jon McDowall wrote a letter to parents, students and the wider school community saying it had decided to postpone centenary celebrations.

McDowall’s letter began by addressing the historical abuse allegations.

“The college remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing historical abuse,” he said.

“Our focus remains on supporting those impacted and fostering a safe, supportive environment for all members of our community — past, present and future.

“In light of this, I have decided it is not the right time to hold the Boarding 100 celebration as originally planned. This decision has the support of the chairs of the college board of proprietors and the school board.”

McDowall said there would be a celebration at a later date.

Other celebrations, including the Old Boys’ Annual Dinner — “where we will celebrate the rich history and enduring strength of our community” — would go ahead in August, he said.

The 68-year-old man first appeared at Christchurch District Court in November last year. His name suppression was declined, but an appeal will be heard in the High Court in March.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons has urged victims of abuse at the school to come forward.

“We understand how distressing it can be to report or talk about offending of this nature, but we have officers and detectives dedicated to these cases and to providing a safe space to report offending in confidence,” she said.

“We want to thank those survivors who have spoken to us already and will continue our work to pursue justice for them.”

Anyone with information can contact Simmons at Christchurch Central Police Station or by reporting it online here, referencing the file number 230122/3143.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.