The principal of a Fitzroy North school who allowed students to attend class in breach of COVID-19 restrictions has been temporarily suspended from his position.
More than 30 cases were linked to the Fitzroy Community School in September.
The school has publicly defended its decision to disobey lockdown rules throughout the pandemic.
Principal Timothy Berryman said he believed the interim suspension and accompanying investigation were a result of him being a "thorn in the government's side".
According to the Victorian Institute of Teaching's register of disciplinary action, Mr Berryman's suspension came into effect on Wednesday.
He said his school had offered both onsite learning and remote learning options to its students, which he believed was in the best interest of the children.
"This whole COVID era, I've campaigned very hard for children," he said.
"The evidence on children and COVID has been crystal clear. They should all be in school."
He said concerns about the potential effects of remote learning, such as mental health challenges and academic setbacks, were behind his decision to welcome students at the school in breach of the rules.
Mr Berryman said he intended to make his case to stay on in his position as principal of the school.
Last year, Education Minister James Merlino described the school's decision to stay open during lockdowns as "reckless".
Health Minister Martin Foley has previously said the school had a history of "sailing pretty close" to breaching public health orders, and warned in situations where rules were not followed "kids get sick, families get sick".
