St George State High School to recruit new principals after claims of toxic culture
A review into an alleged toxic culture of bullying and sexual harassment at a Queensland high school has triggered a leadership shake-up.
Education
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A leadership shake-up is underway at a rural Queensland high school after allegations it had a toxic culture of workplace bullying and sexual harassment.
The Department of Education has begun recruiting for two principal positions at St George State High School ahead of the start of term one, 2023.
It comes after a staff, parent and student survey claimed the school had been subject to a culture of sexual harassment and bullying.
The survey results prompted department officials to visit the school in late-August and conduct a review of its workplace culture.
An acting principal was appointed at the school.
A Department of Education spokesman said it had a zero-tolerance policy towards “unacceptable” behaviour like sexual harassment or bullying.
“There is no place for sexual harassment and bullying in Queensland state schools,” the spokesman said.
“Employees are encouraged to come forward about concerns of sexual harassment and bullying.
“Complaints about these matters are treated seriously and confidentially dealt with in line with the department’s policies and procedures.”
The school’s acting principal Rob Nowlan said the school community wished the former principal “all the best” in future.
The survey had shown 15 per cent of staff at the school, west of Toowoomba, had reported experiencing sexual harassment and 50 per cent had reported to have been subject to bullying.
School sources said the culture had generated an exodus of staff – three teaching positions are also being advertised on the state government’s smart jobs website.
A recruitment drive is also underway for a lead principal and principal.
The spokesman the lead principal was a “new, temporary” position designed to provide leadership support to the St George state primary and secondary schools.
“The lead principal will be based in St George and will report directly to the regional director for the Darling Downs South West region,” he said.
“The anticipated time frame is to have the process completed and the principal appointed by the start of the 2023 school year.”
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