It was alleged that the principal belittled and harassed staff members, with some pushed to breaking point. Photo / 123rf
Staff at an Auckland school allege they were left fearful, demoralised and unsupported under the leadership of a now-absent principal, with accusations some teachers were pushed to breaking point in the classroom.
It comes after the Herald revealed the principal is on extended leave and his practising certificate has been temporarily suspended while the Teaching Council looks into “sensitive matters”.
The Teaching Council has refused multiple requests to clarify why the principal’s certificate was suspended and what connection, if any, the move has with allegations made by staff.
Suppression orders prevent the Herald from identifying the school or principal.
The Herald earlier this month revealed the principal had been on extended leave, with members of the school community concerned about the absence.
A spokeswoman for the Teaching Council said the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal made the order to suspend the principal’s practising certificate while an investigation was carried out.
The Ministry of Education says it is now aware of the matter following the Herald’s coverage and that the school has asked for support.
Members of the school community say they are in the dark over the principal’s sudden departure and are anxious for answers about why the principal is absent.
A concerned parent told the Herald that the only information the school had given them was that the principal was “sick”.
The Herald has seen a copy of a letter sent to the board of trustees last year by a person closely connected to the school, asking for an investigation into the principal’s conduct.
The Herald has been told at least four staff members sent letters to the board about the principal.
A source connected to the school – who spoke to the Herald on the condition of anonymity – says they are among those who have raised allegations about the principal’s behaviour and leadership.
They allege the principal belittled and harassed staff and that some teachers were pushed to such a breaking point that they would leave in the middle of teaching classes for reprieve.
Staff allegedly felt disrespected and dismissed by the principal and felt unable to speak up because of fears of being targeted and marginalised.
The school’s cultural identity was allegedly harmed because of the principal’s lack of understanding and care.
It was alleged the principal’s actions undermined staff morale and created risks for people’s wellbeing and progress, and that the leadership failed to provide an environment that was safe, supportive and inclusive for both students and staff.
Pleas for urgent intervention by the school board were allegedly met with promises of help, but ultimately, staff felt nothing was done, the source claimed.
It’s also claimed the school experienced a high turnover of staff during the principal’s tenure.
It’s understood staff have been told to tell the school community the principal is currently on sick leave.
A concerned parent said a lot of “frustration and anxiety” had been caused by the principal’s disappearance.
“We have felt so disrespected by not being told what is happening.”
They said they were “pretty angry” at what they felt was a lack of transparency.
Trust depended on authorities “being upfront, telling the truth and not trying to hide behind silence”, they said.
The ministry’s acting director of education Racheal Laurenson said: “Matters at the school have been brought to our attention, and the school has asked the ministry for support.
“We are working with the school to assess how that support can best be provided and what this will look like. Our focus, alongside the school, is on maintaining continuity for students and staff and minimising any disruption to teaching and learning.”
The Teaching Council spokeswoman said the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal made an order to suspend the principal’s practising certificate while an investigation was carried out.
A wide range of suppression orders was also imposed by the tribunal, including the principal’s name, the school and identifying details of any complainants.
Earlier this month, the council would not confirm when the principal’s practising certificate was suspended, the nature of any complaint received or whether a hearing had been scheduled.
“As this matter is ongoing, we are unable to comment on the individual case, including the circumstances or timeline. This is to ensure we uphold privacy and natural justice.”
The spokeswoman said it was a “sensitive matter” and urged consideration of the wellbeing of those involved.
The current acting principal declined to comment when approached by the Herald last week.
She earlier said there were “people working on that” when asked about the principal’s absence and why she could not comment.
The presiding member of the school board did not respond when approached last week.
He earlier said: “I cannot discuss the issues you have raised, as to do so would breach privacy obligations, and at this time, non-publication orders are in place in relation to the school and staff.”
The principal has been approached for comment.
Rachel Maher is an investigative reporter covering Auckland issues and education. She started at the Herald as a breaking news journalist in 2022, before joining the Auckland team this year.