Greens MLC Robert Simms’ push to make private schools reveal student punishments after silence from Pembroke

Private schools will have to report behavioural issues, under a proposed bill, after a school has remained tight-lipped on what action students faced after they created a misogynistic and racist fines list.

Calls for more transparent reporting on behavioural issues in private schools will be considered by the state government after Pembroke continued to remain tight-lipped on what punitive action its students have faced following the creation of a sexist and misogynist fines spreadsheet.

Multiple sources have told The Advertiser that some footballers at Pembroke, which charges more than $31,000 in fees for year 12, created a spreadsheet of fineable “offences” that included “kissing a whale”, “you’re having sloppy seconds” and “your girlfriend’s crazy”.

Pembroke has not said what, if any, disciplinary action was being taken despite being repeatedly probed on the issue by The Advertiser.

Mark Staker, principal of Pembroke School, Adelaide, South Australia. Picture: Pembroke School

Principal Mark Staker said the school was “not in a position to provide details concerning the circumstances as the wellbeing and privacy of our students and families are paramount”.

But Greens MLC Robert Simms proposed a bill, to be introduced to parliament on September 11, requiring private schools to publicly disclose data on student behaviour.

The proposed laws would apply to any non-government school offering education between Reception and Year 12, but not preschools, kindergartens or childcare centres.

Public schools are required to report extensive data to the Education Department, which is either published on government websites or subject to Freedom of Information requests.

“Recent reports about the behaviour within some of our state’s private schools are deeply concerning,” Mr Simms said.

Greens MLC Rob Simms will introduce the bill, which will make it mandatory for private schools to publicly report behavioural issues, on September 11. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“Private schools should be required to provide information on behavioural issues and suspensions and expulsions within their annual reports.”

Mr Simms said “sunlight is the best disinfectant” for bad behaviour in private schools.

“Such reporting requirements would place pressure on private schools to tackle any cultural problems head on,” he said.

“Parents have a right to this information so that they can make decisions about where to send their children.”
Education Minister Blair Boyer reserved his position on the bill until it went “through the usual cabinet and caucus process … which will happen in due course”.