Procedures have been put in place to ensure Wollongong Catholic high students don't again send emails containing "explicit language and offensive comments".
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On Tuesday night, the diocese's Director of Schools Peter Hill sent a letter to all parents about the spamming, which started with one student emailing a distribution group that included all secondary students at the diocese.
The emails were received by every Catholic high school student in the diocese.
As the Mercury reported on Tuesday, some of the emails included racist words and emojis used to spell out sexual acts.
On Wednesday a spokesman confirmed the student came across an email distribution list that, due to human error, did not have the appropriate permission restrictions applied.
"We immediately updated the permission restrictions to this distribution list and confirmed that all other group distribution lists have the appropriate security settings and access restrictions," he said.
The student sent the email via their school-issued (Google) email account. Subsequent students sent emails using the 'reply all' function.
"The use of the student email system in this way is a breach of our Acceptable Use of Technology Policy that all students are expected to follow," the spokesman said.
Those involved will be punished for their actions.
"This is a matter for the school and each student, in discussion with the student's parents or carers. Any sanctions imposed will be appropriate and in accord with our established student management policies and procedures."
The spokesman added there was no reason to notify the NSW Department of Education about the "situation which relates to our system of schools in the Diocese of Wollongong".
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
