The school, which has 600 students in Prep to Year 12, gave the paddle 10 times last year and seven times in 2007, he said.
“I would never use the paddle unless we have spoken to both parents and have their blessing for it to be used,” Mr Bensley said.
“It is always administered in a loving way. In fact, we pray with them afterwards.”
Corporal punishment was banned in state schools in 1995 by a decision of Cabinet but was not written into law. Parents, teachers or guardians are allowed to use “reasonable force” in disciplining children.