Perth’s Aveley North Primary School reacts in court after headmistress Shayne Harris

An elementary school has responded to parents after its principal was accused of sending a photo of his penis to an undercover cop posing as a 14-year-old girl while using the alias “Die Hard” online.

Shayne Harris, who held the top job at Aveley North Primary School – 29km north east of Perth – appeared in court on Thursday accused of using electronic communications to expose a child to indecent things.

An email was sent to parents of children at the school informing them that Mr Harris had appeared in court the previous day and was “facing serious charges”.

“Mr Harris was immediately dismissed from his role as Principal due to the nature of the charges,” the email said.

Shayne Harris (pictured) appeared in court this week charged with using electronic communications to expose a child to indecent activities

Aveley North Primary School has responded to angry parents after the veteran headmaster was accused of sending a photo of his penis to an undercover cop posing as a 14-year-old girl

The school acknowledged that the recent event “could be disturbing and worrying for many parents, staff and students,” The West reported.

“We would like to emphasize that the safety of all students is our top priority and we expect the highest standards of behavior from school leaders and staff. Thank you for your understanding and support.’

Mr Harris’ departure just three weeks before the start of the new school year has put pressure on the department to find a replacement principal.

The email said Helen Taylor – a former deputy and acting principal with a “strong connection” to the school – would rise to the top role at the start of the 2023 school year.

However, Ms Taylor is currently Headmistress at another school and as such the department will be under pressure to find a replacement for her as well in the face of a chronic teacher shortage.

Perth Magistrates Court was told on Thursday that Mr Harris allegedly chatted via Google Chats at his home on New Year’s Day with what he believed to be a teenage girl.

Prosecutors allege Mr Harris initially sent two images of his face during that live video chat before the conversation was sexualized. Then he allegedly posted a photo of his penis.

Prosecutors allege Mr Harris initially sent two pictures of his face during a live video chat before the conversation became sexualized and he then allegedly posted a photo of his penis

The court heard Mr Harris had used the online alias “Die Hard” before switching to Google Chats while using an email address that included his real name.

Mr Harris – who has run some of Perth’s most prestigious primary schools – has also been accused of possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

He was granted bail on the condition that he does not leave the state, surrenders his passport and that any internet-enabled devices are inspected by police upon request.

Mr Harris is expected to return to court in February.

Earlier school letters from Aveley North, sent out last year, had warned parents and students to beware of online sexual predators.

On Thursday, the WA Department of Education called for the longtime teacher to be fired following the “incredibly serious” allegations.