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Brisbane Catholic girls school rocked by sex abuse claim

A Catholic girls school in Brisbane is the latest institution to be rocked by allegations of historical child sexual abuse.

Mount St Michael's College in Ashgrove principal Sharon Volp sent an email to current and former students on Monday confirming it had received a "formal complaint" about a former staff member between 1976-1978.

Ms Volp said she found "the abuse of children distressing and abhorrent" and the matter had been referred to police.

She reassured the school community the "most stringent protocols" were in place to protect students.

Ms Volp urged anyone with concerns or issues about similar "inappropriate behaviour" by someone who currently or previously worked at the school to contact her and police.

Operated by Mary Aikenhead Ministries, the school provides education for girls from grade seven to 12.

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A school spokesman said it would not be making any further comment.

"As is appropriate, we have reported the matter to the Queensland Police and other relevant authorities and communicated transparently to our school community about the alleged incident," he said, in a statement.

Police released a statement on Tuesday night regarding the allegations.

"The Queensland Police Service received a referral from Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in relation to alleged historical sexual abuse at an educational institution in Ashgrove, which dates back to the period 1976 to 1978.

"The QPS has followed up this matter and is continuing their investigations.

"The QPS takes these kind of matters seriously and encourages anyone with any related information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."

AAP