A teacher at St. Thomas More Collegiate is being investigated by Burnaby RCMP over an allegation of a sexual relationship with a student.

"There is an allegation of an inappropriate relationship between a female teacher and a Grade 11 boy," said Darrell Hall, principal of the Burnaby Catholic school.

According to an email sent to parents by the school, notifying them of the investigation, the relationship occurred last spring. The teen is now in Grade 12.

Hall said two students made the allegation late on Sept. 26 and the teacher went on a paid, personal leave the next day. The leave will last until the police investigation is completed.

Due to privacy reasons, Hall could not reveal the name of the teacher involved.

"First and foremost for us is always the safety of our students so when the allegation came to us we immediately reported the matter to the RCMP, the teacher went on a personal leave and now that matter is in the hands of the police."

Hall told the CTV that on the same day the allegation was made, the teen's parents were called in and informed. The female teacher has been at the school four years, was popular among students and had a clean record, according to Hall.

Upon hearing the allegations, Hall said the teacher was distraught, and denied everything.

Burnaby RCMP confirmed its Child Abuse and Sexual Offence Unit is in the early stages of the investigation into a possible sexual relationship between a teacher and student at the school.

It is unknown if this was an isolated incident or how long the investigation will take, police say. RCMP will not be releasing any details on those involved or the dates the incident is alleged to have taken place.

Anyone with any information on the case is asked to contact Const. Dosanjh at 604-294-7705.

wchow@burnabynewsleader.com