Petition launched over decision not to reappoint Lady George Kindergarten director Brett Gent

A decision not to reappoint a popular kindergartern director has outraged parents, with more than 120 already signing an online petition in protest.

Former Lady George director Brett Gent at the kindergarten last year. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Scores of parents have signed an online petition calling for Education Minister Blair Boyer to intervene in a decision to replace a popular kindergarten director.

The Education Department wrote to parents of children at Lady George Kindergarten in Highgate on Monday to announce the appointment of Catherine Meyer as its new preschool director.

The decision has outraged parents, prompting mother of three Catriona Flavel to start an online petition, with more than 120 signatures gathered by early Wednesday afternoon.

Ms Flavel said Mr Gent had teaching methods which focused “on wellbeing, fostering creativity and confidence – and supporting strong development of social skills”.

“Kids absolutely thrive under Brett’s leadership and the waitlist for Lady George is overwhelming,” she said.

“Brett applied to be reappointed but instead he has been outed because his approaches weren’t appreciated by the department.”

Lady George Kindergarten director Brett Gent reads to some of its children. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Felixstow Education Office education director Sandy Richardson said a selection panel comprising of departmental staff and the kindergarten’s governing council had chosen Ms Meyer to replace Brett Gent, who had been running the facility for six years.

“Catherine is an experienced educator and early years leader who has worked in a range of early years education settings across the state over the last fourteen years,” she wrote in the letter.

Education Department letter sent to parents at Lady George Kindy about Brett Gent. Picture: Supplied

“I would like to acknowledge the extensive commitment and leadership that Brett Gent has provided to the Lady George Kindergarten over the past six years.”

Ms Richardson said Mr Gent and his staff would work with Ms Meyer to “ensure a smooth transition into her role beginning January 2023”.

Ms Flavel said testimonials left by parents on her petition showed how much Mr Gent was “loved and respected by the Highgate and Unley communities”.

“Everyone is absolutely devastated by and outraged at this decision,” she said.

“Brett has had nothing but positive parent and staff surveys and is strongly supported by the (kindergarten’s) governing council.”

Ms Flavel said it was her understanding the governing council’s representative on the selection panel had refused to sign a form approving Ms Meyer’s appointment, instead saying parents wanted Mr Gent to remain.

“The appointment the department’s reappointment policies emphasise the importance of considering the community and their wishes,” she said

“This has not been done in this case.

“The community is deeply grateful for and supportive of Brett’s approach – it is a shining light in an otherwise disappointing public education system.”

Mr Boyer said he had asked the department for a briefing when he became of the petition about Mr Gent.

“The department has advised a review will be undertaken of the selection process,” he said.

“It will continue to work with the preschool community to address any ongoing concerns in relation to this.”