All Hallows’ ‘mass exodus’ amid claims students discriminated against

A second elite Brisbane school has been hit with claims it discriminated against students with learning and behavioural problems.

All Hallows’ School in Brisbane City. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Children with learning and behavioural difficulties feel they have been discriminated against at All Hallows’ School, driving a “mass exodus of students” from the prestigious Catholic school, a group of parents claims.

Parents have told The Courier-Mail the Brisbane school seems to give less favourable treatment to girls with dyslexia, anxiety and ADHD.

In experiences that have left many families devastated, the parents say they had no choice but to withdraw their children.

They claim students with poor grades “don’t fit the school’s image” and receive suspensions for minor policy breaches.

The Courier-Mail understands some families have sought legal advice over what they claim is the mistreatment of their children.

“The school has failed us,” one parent said.

“We had to remove our daughter – children with ADHD are seen as troublesome, disruptive kids but they’re not, their brain just works a bit differently,” the parent said.

“Her entire friendship group was impacted. Girls would be given suspensions for the smallest things. It became impossible for us to stay.”

Another parent said many families were adversely affected.

“So many families have been left devastated by their experience at All Hallows’ – many girls have been pulled out of the school from just the one year level – it’s significant,” they said.

The Courier-Mail also understands some teachers have quit in protest over the alleged discrimination against children with learning and behavioural difficulties.

But the “mass exodus of students”, as another parent put it, has not “fazed” the school.

“They don’t seem to care if students leave because there is such a big waiting list, they’re not fazed,” they said.

All Hallows’ School in Brisbane City. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Several parents said the All Hallows’ experience of their other, higher-achieving children had been markedly different.

The Courier-Mail asked the school to respond to claims of discrimination against children with learning and behavioural difficulties, including the alleged handing out of suspensions for minor policy breaches.

It also asked the school to confirm the number of students from the same year cohort who had left, and address claims teachers had quit after allegedly raising concerns about what they considered discriminatory treatment of students.

In response, acting principal Carolyn Liddy said: “All Hallows’ School has a deep commitment to nurturing and caring for our students and community.

“Our school is a place where all students are welcomed and encouraged to achieve their full potential and our decisions are guided by our Mercy values.

“Our priority is to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community.

“All Hallows’ School does not discriminate against students on any basis, including their learning abilities.

“The emotional and physical wellbeing of all students at All Hallows’ is a priority.

“Our responses to matters involving student behaviour are consistent with our Mercy ethos and values.

“We have clearly established behaviour policies, procedures and guidelines and any response is in accordance with these policies and procedures.”

Parents contacted The Courier-Mail after the newspaper exposed similar claims of discrimination at the elite Anglican Church Grammar School.

In response, Churchie said it had many students with learning support who received dedicated teaching and pastoral care.

Email Kylie Lang