Calls for heads to roll at PMSA after apology to former principal

A group of parents and alumni have called for PMSA heads to roll over the “disgraceful and improper manner” in which it claims the principal of an elite Brisbane school was targeted.

THERE are calls for PMSA heads to roll over the “disgraceful and improper manner” in which it claims the principal of an elite Brisbane school was targeted.

Flo Kearney. Picture: Patria Jannides

Former Somerville House principal Flo Kearney yesterday won a ­public apology from the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) — the governing body of Somerville House, Brisbane Boys’ College, Clayfield College and Sunshine Coast Grammar School — following her resignation under pressure from the group.

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The Courier-Mail exclusively exposed PMSA cover-ups of an alleged data breach, a secret merger plan for four top private schools, financial mismanagement, lewd texts and nude meetings at a Korean bath house.

Dubbed “Game of Thrones in cardigans”, Ms Kearney resigned under pressure from the PMSA after internally airing concerns about the handling of the scandal — and a string of key staff also quit in outcry.

Nineteen months later, the PMSA has settled a costly legal dispute and yesterday issued a public apology to the highly regarded former Somerville House principal of seven years for her “early departure”.

Anti PMSA protesters outside Somerville House School in October 27, 2017. Picture: AAP/Claudia Baxter

Supporters of Ms Kearney are now demanding key figures behind her forced resignation in October 2017 be axed after the PMSA “finally admitted wrongdoing”.

Beyond PMSA, a group of parents and alumni with 4393 Facebook followers, yesterday made a lengthy post.

“The PMSA has finally admitted wrongdoing,” the post starts, before detailing the apology and going on to defend Ms Kearney.

“(The apology) clearly shows that she had done absolutely nothing wrong,’’ Beyond PMSA said.

It then goes on to slam the PMSA and their delayed apology.

“As a Christian organisation that lauds itself as responsible for shaping the futures of strong, intelligent, modern women, the PMSA should have provided a public apology for her wrongful treatment immediately and without reservation,” it states.

“The apology is welcome, but why it took so long to emerge remains a mystery to the community and speaks volumes.

“Many questions still remain un-answered by the PMSA.” (sic)

Included in the “unanswered questions” it said were “given wrongdoing has been admitted, what other action is to be taken with regard to those who were responsible for their role?” and “when will all of the Councillors who signed off on these actions in 2017 finally step down or be stood aside?”.

The post later praises Ms Kearney and details her “suffering” during the saga.

“Those who know Flo, know that she has suffered under an incredible weight these past two years,” it states.

“Forced by circumstances to remain stoically silent, she has finally emerged, strong, defiant and with her reputation intact.

“Her fight for vindication, and her victory, serves as the most valuable gift that any educator can give to her pupils.”

Ms Kearney has taken on a new role as Head and CEO of The Women’s College at the University of Queensland.

“I wish the PMSA every success as they implement the governance reforms and the new strategic vision for the organisation,’’ she said yesterday.

“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the students, staff and school community during my time as principal.”