Beaudesert State High School accused of toxic culture of bullying after suicides: Principal’s response

Principal calls on parents to reinforce “respectful behaviour”, while defending school following two student suicides.

• Inside story: Students on suicide watch
• Revealed: Bullied teen’s final hours

The principal of a Queensland state high school with an alleged toxic culture of bullying has defended the school, calling on parents to “reinforce the importance of respectful behaviour”.

Beaudesert High principal Grant Stephensen sent the letter on Monday following damning allegations in The Courier-Mail on Saturday after the suicide deaths of two children who had attended the school, 67km south of Brisbane.

Both families of Onyx Rose Lambert, 13, and Lilly Osborne, 16, said their children were victims of unchecked bullying over several years and that the school had failed them.

In the letter – which was signed “Principal” but did not include Mr Stephensen’s name – parents and caregivers were also asked to talk to their children about “appropriate use of social media”.

Beaudesert High principal Grant Stephensen.

The principal said: “It is concerning that some of the communications being shared within our community and on social media have not reflected the reality of our school, where the great majority of students are hard at work learning and respecting each other every day.

“Our school regularly reminds all students of our expectations around positive behaviour and learning through anti-bullying programs and during whole-school assemblies.

“I also encourage you to reinforce the importance of respectful behaviour and appropriate use of social media with your children.”

Jasmine Osborne lost her daughter Lilly Osborne to suicide at age 16 in November 2021. Picture: Tara Croser.

Onyx Rose Lambert, who suicided on July 16. Photo: Facebook.

Since reporting on July 25 the shocking death of Onyx Rose Lambert, who suicided on July 16, The Courier-Mail has been inundated with complaints from parents and students over what they say is an entrenched and toxic culture of bullying.

As the newspaper reported on July 29, they say claims of bullying – including children being bashed to the point of needed corrective surgery and being told to go kill themselves – are not investigated.

Instead, victims are advised to “avoid” the perpetrators and parents are accused of being “over-protective”.

The principal has declined Courier-Mail requests for comment.

Onyx Rose Lambert was farewelled in a celebration of life service on July 29 on the family property in Jimboomba.

Up to 100 mourners attended and Beaudesert High School was represented by deputy principal for inclusion Todd Winton.