Too hot to handle ... one of the raunchy scenes from the show, and inset, teacher Rhys Uhlich. Picture: Channel 7
Despite the outcry, Sacred Heart Primary School in Melbourne has pledged its support to physical education teacher Rhys Uhlich, 24.
Mr Uhlich, 24, stripped off for the cameras along with fellow competitors in a recent episode of Channel 7's Make Me a Supermodel.
He reclined on a couch in only a pair of swimmers with contestant Hannah, 19, in a bikini, draped over him.
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Several pupils from the Newport school have watched Mr Uhlich in the sexually charged series, which features swimwear catwalk parades and male contestants tearing their shirts off.
Sacred Heart students have posted encouraging messages to him on Seven's website.
One student wrote: "Go for it Mr Uhlich you rock but please don't leave your my fav teacher."
The steamy photo session was even declared "too sexy" by one of the show's judges.
Australian Family Association state president Angela Conway said Mr Uhlich was sending a dangerous message to children.
"This whole genre of model programs sends a very strong message to young people that your main capacity for success in this world is to market yourself sexually," she said.
"Instead of being part of the solution, this teacher is part of the problem.
"He's helping to generate these very, very toxic messages that are driving young girls to body image problems and eating disorders, and other psychological difficulties."
Parents Victoria president Elaine Crowle said Mr Uhlich's behaviour would not meet the code of conduct for teachers.
"It's not the behaviour parents would expect from a teacher who is a role model for students under their care," Ms Crowle said.
Sacred Heart principal Joan Janssen said in a statement: "The school community wishes Rhys well. He's a very popular teacher with the staff, students and parents, and we can't wait to have him back at school."
Mr Uhlich is one of 14 contestants competing for a lucrative modelling contract.
In his profile on the program's website, he says: "I love teaching kids, but I need a bit of variety in my life."
He says he has worked as a model since he was a teenager.
Mr Uhlich was filming the show yesterday and was not available for comment.
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