Former students of a private religious school in western Sydney have told a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry that they were required to share beds with teachers and witnessed inappropriate conduct by the school’s principal. The inquiry, held on Monday, focused on Redeemer Baptist School and its management, as well as oversight by government agencies.

Edward Garth, 23, a former student, described an incident during a study-stay over school holidays where he observed the principal, Jonathon Cannon—who is also a church elder—walking naked through a common area late at night. Garth said this occurred while he was in the building where he was staying. He reported the incident, but said it was subsequently disclosed to Cannon, his brother Noel Cannon, and Garth’s own parents, who admonished him.

Another former student, Emma Hughes, spoke about the broader culture within the school, which she said was challenging for students to process as adults. Hughes recounted that during school camps, which took place away from parents, space constraints sometimes led to students sharing beds with teachers in caravans or school cabins. She noted that this practice involved rotating which students shared beds and that the students selected were often community members, suggesting awareness by staff that such arrangements were questionable. Hughes did not describe experiencing any misconduct herself during these stays.

Both former students highlighted concerns with the school’s environment, including frequent breaches of personal boundaries by staff, who were often referred to by kinship titles such as “uncle.” Hughes said that staff would discuss private matters publicly and that boundaries familiar in typical school settings appeared to be poorly understood or disregarded at Redeemer. She also detailed a culture of surveillance and public humiliation. As an example, she told the inquiry about a time when a boy and girl were made to stand on chairs and were publicly reprimanded before several year groups after a love note was intercepted. Noel Cannon reportedly read the note aloud and delivered a harsh reprimand.

The parliamentary inquiry is examining the school’s management and the role of government bodies responsible for oversight. Records show that since 2004, the Communities and Justice Department received 15 notifications of risks of significant harm related to the school, but no field assessments were conducted. Representatives of Redeemer Baptist School, including the Cannons, were invited to present their perspective to the committee but did not attend. Committee chair Abigail Boyd expressed disappointment at their absence.

Efforts to obtain comment from the school regarding the allegations have been made, with no response as of the inquiry session.