Deandra Kontou Charged With Nine Offenses Including Rape
Deandra Kontou, a 32-year-old former geography teacher at Sydney’s Newington College, faces nine child abuse charges, including aggravated sexual assault, according to The Greek Herald. Prosecutors allege the incidents occurred over a six-month period in 2017 while Kontou, who then went by the name Ms. Haralambidis, taught at the prestigious private school.
The charges follow an investigation by the Inner West Police Area Command. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the offenses include inciting a person to partake in an aggravated sexual act, four counts of sexually touching another person, and inciting another person to sexually touch them. Under New South Wales law, the charge of aggravated sexual assault is equivalent to rape.
Incidents Occurring at School and on Island Trip
The alleged grooming and sexual assaults took place both on and off campus. According to The Greek Herald, the incidents occurred within the school’s Stanmore building during school hours. Prosecutors further allege that Kontou touched the student twice and sexually assaulted him during a senior boys’ trip to Fitzroy Island, located approximately 1,200 miles from Sydney.
The victim was under the age of 16 at the time of the alleged conduct, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. While the allegations were initially reported to police in previous years, the investigation into Kontou was restarted in 2025.
Employment History and Legal Status
Kontou worked at Newington College for two years, leaving in 2019 after the allegations were brought to the attention of school administrators. She later secured a position at the public Georges River College in 2024. Following the recent charges, the New South Wales Department of Education has stripped Kontou of her teaching accreditation.
A spokesperson for Newington College stated that the school does not tolerate conduct that conflicts with its professional standards or the law. The institution, which serves approximately 2,000 students across its campuses, noted that because the matter is before the courts, it cannot provide further comment.
Kontou was granted conditional bail last month at the Sutherland Local Court. Her bail conditions require her to surrender her passport, report to police weekly, and adhere to a strict ban on entering any school or undertaking employment that involves contact with children. She is also prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or any prosecution witnesses.
Court Appearances and Recent Precedents
Kontou is scheduled to appear at the Burwood Local Court on November 25. Her case follows a separate incident at Newington College involving Benjamin David Collinge, who was charged with grooming a 14-year-old girl online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific charges against Deandra Kontou?
Kontou faces nine charges, including aggravated sexual assault—classified as rape under NSW law—along with four counts of sexually touching another person and counts related to inciting sexual acts and touching.
Is Kontou still permitted to work with children?
No. As part of her bail conditions and the revocation of her teaching accreditation by the New South Wales Department of Education, she is legally barred from entering schools or working in any capacity that requires contact with children.
When will the legal proceedings continue?
Kontou is required to appear at the Burwood Local Court on November 25 for further proceedings.
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