St Joseph’s College Coomera principal Carol Bell resigns
The principal of a Gold Coast private school has resigned after twice going on leave amid controversy over the school’s response to claims of violence between students.
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The principal of a Gold Coast private school has resigned after twice going on leave amid controversy over the school’s response to claims of violence between students.
St Joseph’s College Coomera emailed families this week advising principal Carol Bell “decided to conclude her position” after two years as principal without stating a reason for the resignation.
Ms Bell’s resignation comes just weeks after the school notified families she had taken personal leave, effective immediately, for the remainder of the 2024 school year.
That absence came after Ms Bell was temporarily stood down by the school governing body Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), which oversees St Joseph’s College, late last year during an investigation by BCE of her handling of an alleged incident between a female and male student.
The results of the investigation were not disclosed, with BCE stating it never commented on disciplinary matters, but Ms Bell returned to her position this year before temporarily standing down again on November 8.
BCE did not disclose why Ms Bell had taken sudden and indefinite personal leave, but confirmed an investigation over the same matter was underway by the Non State Schools Board.
However, on Wednesday families at St Joseph’s College were told of Ms Bell’s resignation and informed that Paul Easton would continue in the role of acting principal for the 2025 school year.
“After a period of leave, Ms Carol Bell has decided to conclude her position as principal at St Joseph’s College Coomera,” read the school email to parents and caregivers, which was sent to the Bulletin by BCE.
“We thank Carol for her hard work and dedication to the College and to the wider St Joseph’s College community and wish her every success in the future.”
The mother of the girl involved in what was described as a serious incident said she was pleased that Ms Bell had resigned.
She said she was surprised that Ms Bell did not resign last year.
At the time, she wrote expressing her outrage to the Non State Schools Board, as well as the then-Education and Youth Justice Minister, Health Minister and Attorney-General.
“The (male student) remained in the school for three weeks following our child’s (incident).
“(Later) the (male student) was (given an) award by the school, in front of an assembly of students, parents and teachers. We made a complaint to the student protection team of Brisbane Catholic Education prior to and following this award ceremony. They launched an independent investigation into the school’s conduct commencing on 24 November 2023.”
The mother said a number of families had taken their children out of St Joseph’s College in the wake of the incident, as well as the Bulletin’s recent reporting.
She said she understood the school’s Parents and Teachers Association was now working towards proper education and training.
“However, I’ve also heard there is a Facebook group of parents who don’t believe the incident occurred, but I do understand that … it’s a hard thing to want to believe,” she said.
“But I think all families are happy to have a fresh start in 2025 and be able to heal. St Joseph’s has potential to be a great school and I’d love to see them achieve that.”
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Originally published as St Joseph’s College Coomera principal Carol Bell resigns
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