The fiasco that has occurred at Bondi Beach PS has us all worried. When a P & C President doesn’t follow protocols and send emails to all and sundry, including many media outlets, all of us become anxious as any of us could be in that situation. My understanding is that two DELs gave advice that we have procedures that enables staff and parents to lodge issues/complaints, however this advice was ignored.

Trial by media is blatantly unfair and does nothing to solve any issue but does irrevocable damage to the principal and school’s reputation. We asked at State Council why no senior DoE officer hadn’t come out in the media explaining our protocols & asking the media to back off. The Minister and Deputy Secretary Murat Dizdar are very cognizant of the issues, the pain involved and talked about the conundrum – giving the media oxygen vs letting it settle. Many of us would appreciate DoE fronting the media and taking the heat off the principal & school.

Both the DoE officers and PPA colleagues are supporting Principal Debbie Evans and professional officer Geoff Scott, Legal Issues chair Greg McLaren & Vice President Louise Green will attend the Bondi PPC meeting this week to support local colleagues who are feeling very fragile.

The Minister has had discussions with senior DoE officers and my understanding is they are developing better protocols for these scenarios.