Ascham School at Edgecliff slammed over bullying allegations
A parent at one of Sydney’s prestigious all-girls school that has been rocked by bullying claims accused the school of allowing the behaviour “to thrive”.
Education
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A parent of a student at one of Sydney’s top-shelf all-girls schools has accused the school of allowing bullying behaviour “to thrive”, after a notice sent to parents revealed “unacceptable…offensive language” and name-calling among students.
In a message to The Telegraph, a parent said the bullying culture at Ascham School in Edgecliff “is far beyond the normal – simply because of the culture at the school”.
“They are not dealing with it and (are) allowing such behaviour to thrive,” they said.
The school has been contacted for additional comment after The Daily Telegraph revealed the details of a notice sent to parents last week citing examples of bullying among Year 7 students in-person and on social media at the highly-prestigious eastern suburbs school.
Leadership at the school – which costs up to $34,500 per year and includes an arts theatre, three libraries and an indoor heated pool – had been made aware of incidents of “name-calling” and “offensive language” that the elite school said went against its “core values”.
“The central tenets to Ascham’s core values are respect and kindness, namely treating others as you wish to be treated, as well as showing warmth, friendliness and generosity to others,” the notice read.
“Unfortunately, some students have not been treating others with the respect and kindness that is expected in the Ascham community.
“Of particular concern are incidents of name-calling, both on the playground and on social-media.
“The students are aware that any use of offensive language, particularly if it is directed at another student, is unacceptable.”
As part of the letter from its Year 7 coordinator, Ascham said students would undergo an educational program to teach them about respect.
The school also asked parents to talk with their children about their communication with other students, both face-to-face and online.
The Ascham School didn’t respond to requests for comment before deadline.
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