A Brampton teacher is facing several sex-related offences in connection with alleged inappropriate conduct involving one of her 16-year-old male students.

Peel police say the 35-year-old Notre Dame Secondary School teacher and the teen were engaged in explicit messages sent over the Internet.

The notes were sent from their homes, not at school, Det.-Sgt. Greg Knapton, of the special victims unit, told CTV.ca.

Knapton said one count of sexual assault was been laid with respect to an alleged incident at school.

"There was contact -- it was basically a touching," said Knapton, who wouldn't elaborate.

Knapton said the alleged acts are criminal because the teacher is in a position of trust and the boy cannot legally consent because he is not 18 years old.

The special education teacher has been suspended with pay, said Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board spokesperson Bruce Campbell.

"The allegations are very disturbing and the alleged behaviour is very inappropriate," Campbell told CTV News.

Dina Calautti was arrested at her Mississauga home on Tuesday. She is charged with:

  • Two counts of sexual exploitation
  • Sexual assault
  • Internet luring of a child

Calautti is to appear in court on Dec. 17.

Anyone who may have any information is asked to contact police at 905-453-2121 ext. 3460, or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).