The Seton Collaborative dissolved after resignation of three executives

Parents at a catholic college in Brisbane’s south have been left fuming after the school’s only parental representative association was disbanded following the resignation of three of its executives.

Seton College at Mt Gravatt East. Picture: Richard Walker

Parents of students at Brisbane catholic school Seton College have been left outraged after the shock dissolution of the school’s only parental representative association.

The Seton Collaborative, a hybrid of a P&F Association and the school board, has been disbanded following the sudden and unexplained resignation of three of its executives.

In July last year Brisbane Catholic Education announced the school, which had become known as a refuge for student with disabilities, would close at the end of 2024.

Despite recently calling for expressions of interest to nominate for the collaborative, in a letter to parents principal Warren Bath told parents that following the sudden resignations there was “no ability to form a new executive” under the Terms of Reference.

Conceding a new executive could be formed under new terms, Mr Bath went on to say that the school’s leadership team is “taking the opportunity to review other models of parent engagement”, but did not say how.

Parent Nicky Reed outside Seton College in Mt Gravatt East. Picture: Richard Walker

Since the announced planned closure of the school a passionate group of parents and current and former students known as Save Our Seton Inc. have rallied to keep the school open.

Members of the group have accused the school of spending P&F levies without parental consultation, with approximately $52,000 spent over the recent summer break on library upgrades and resources, and a new shade sail.

Mr Bath said there was no legal requirement for an Archdiocesan school to have a P&F and school board, and denied it had been dissolved to stop parent input.

He went on to say while no decision had been made on how the remaining funds would be sent, “parental input” would be sought.

“With the help of the Federation of Catholic Parents & Friends Association of Queensland, we

are considering other models of parent engagement, and will be providing updates via our

fortnightly parent newsletter,” he said.

“The Seton leadership team is committed to working with Seton parents for the benefit

of our students and College.

“We need and want parent input on key decisions.”