Public apology to Somerville House ex-principal

An elite schools governing body has issued a public apology to ex-Somerville House principal Flo Kearney over the schools scandal, as she takes up a new position.

THE Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association has issued a public apology to ex-Somerville House principal Flo Kearney for her early departure over the elite school scandal.

PMSA chairman Mr Greg Adsett said the apology was to bring closure to this issue after her resignation in October 2017, when the prestigious Brisbane girls’ school was engulfed in a high-profile scandal.

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The Courier-Mail exclusively revealed an alleged privacy data breach by a former PMSA staffer involving some of the state’s wealthiest donors and most prominent identities, including Governor Paul de Jersey.

It also exposed a PMSA cover-up of lewd text messages, a secret Deloitte report to integrate four schools into one, and clandestine trysts by key figures to do “Eddie the Eagle” at a nude Korean bathhouse.

At the height of the scandal, Ms Kearney resigned leading to an exodus of other key staff.

In today’s statement, Mr Adsett said the PMSA was aware of “ongoing misconceptions” regarding the resignation of the former Somerville House principal.

“We are sorry for the part we played in, and regret the circumstances leading to, Ms Kearney’s early departure,’’ he said.

Somerville House was at the centre of a PMSA storm in 2017.

“We would like to make clear that those events should not in any way be perceived to reflect poorly on Ms Kearney or negate her outstanding performance as Principal and lasting contributions to Somerville House.”

The PMSA and Ms Kearney agreed to make the public statement in the interests of transparency, accountability and building trust, he said.

“Ms Kearney led Somerville House as Principal with distinction from 2011 to 2017,” he said.

“During that time, Ms Kearney’s many achievements advanced, and continue to enhance, the culture, performance and reputation of the School as providing the finest opportunities for girls’ and pre-prep education.”

The PMSA congratulated Ms Kearney on her recent appointment as head and CEO of The Women's College at the University of Queensland.

“We echo the delight of college council president Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO that such a distinguished and experienced educator of young women as Flo Kearney has accepted their invitation for her to lead the college.

“We wish Ms Kearney all the very best for the future.”

PMSA chairman Greg Adsett

Former Somerville House principal Flo Kearney

In a statement, Ms Kearney said it had been an honour and a privilege to serve as principal of Somerville House for seven years.

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

“I wish the PMSA every success as they implement the governance reforms and the new strategic vision for the organisation.

“I also wish the wonderful school communities, principals, staff and students every success for the future.

“I am enjoying my new role as head and CEO of The Women’s College at the University of Queensland, and look forward to future opportunities to visit and celebrate the ongoing success of Somerville House.

“With my very best wishes to all.”

The PMSA council is the governing body of Somerville House, Brisbane Boys’ College, Clayfield College and Sunshine Coast Grammar School.