Parents lead revolt against principal of St Mary’s Primary School at Laidley

Brisbane Catholic Education has defended a South East Queensland principal after 25 families lodged a formal complaint about her that led to an independent review that eventually cleared her.

A Catholic primary school principal has been cleared after an ugly spat with parents led to a formal complaint and an independent review.

Up to 25 families made a formal complaint to Brisbane Catholic Education regarding the principal of St Mary’s Primary School at Laidley.

The complaint had accused principal Zoe Stewart of allegedly bullying staff and claims it had led to an exodus of nearly 30 staff members since her appointment in 2020.

The complaint prompted Brisbane Catholic Education to engage in an independent legal expert to consider the concerns raised by the St Mary’s parents.

Brisbane Catholic Education said the results of the report found the claims were unsubstantiated and defended Ms Stewart’s leadership.

“BCE reiterates its support for the principal of the school and notes that the report did not substantiate the concerns raised,” BCE said in a statement.

“This action is in line with BCE’s established policies and procedures to ensure that any complaints and concerns raised by staff, students and families are addressed with respect for the privacy and dignity of those involved.”

The Brisbane Catholic Education statement said the process had sought information from parents and involved a “thorough review of relevant facts and communications”.

The parents had told The Courier-Mail that Ms Stewart had disbanded the school P&C and had called for her to be replaced.

The parents had claimed the staff had departed the school due to “bullying behaviour, lack of support from her and an extensive workload constantly pushed onto them from her”.

“We are a town built on community and thrive on assisting each other and helping those in need,” one parent said.

“We hope our once lovely school may return to the way it was.”

Brisbane Catholic Education was asked specific questions regarding the staff turnover claims, however it did not respond.