A former arts teacher at St Columba’s College in Essendon sexually abused a student, according to reports in multiple outlets. The teacher has pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse, and the school reaches a settlement of about $1 million with the victim. Sources say the payment occurs shortly before a civil trial was due to proceed. The coverage describes the settlement as part of a civil process linked to the criminal matter, with the guilty plea forming the basis for the school’s legal resolution. The outlets do not provide additional details about the allegations’ timeframe, the victim’s identity, or specific terms of the settlement beyond the overall figure. The reporting is consistent across publications: St Columba’s College is associated with a teacher who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a student, and the school pays the victim a $1 million settlement on the eve of civil court action. The information presented focuses on the guilty plea and the settlement timing and amount.