Education expert to conduct inquiry into Kellyville High School

The inquiry announcement follows the arrest of Kellyville High School deputy principal Damian Wanstall, who has been charged with online child exploitation offences.

An independent inquiry has been launched into Kellyville High School amid claims by parents and teachers that their complaints were ignored.

The state government has appointed Sydney University Adjunct Professor Phil Lambert to oversee the inquiry, which will involve interviews with parents, teachers and Department of Education staff.

The move comes after the arrest of deputy principal Damian Wanstall, who has been charged with online child exploitation offences.

Police allege Wanstall had explicit conversations about acts he wanted to perform on a child while talking to someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but who were actually a team of detectives.

The 47-year-old, who has been stood down from the school in Sydney’s northwest, appeared in Parramatta Court last week where he was granted strict bail, under which he must live with his mother in the Blue Mountains.

Damian Wanstall, who has been stood down from Kellyville High after his arrest. Picture: LinkedIn

Earlier this year, principal Justina Barnier moved to a department job as officials continued investigating as many as 20 complaints from parents and teachers about her management style.

Former teachers spoke of low morale and a “dictatorial culture”, while one parent said the issues with staff meant students concerns were being ignored.

Ms Barnier has previously denied any wrongdoing, questioning whether the complaints had been driven by ‘emotional, irrational and unfounded gossip”.

There is no suggestion Ms Barnier had any knowledge of Mr Wanstall’s alleged activities.

Local MP, Police Minister David Elliott, who met with seven angry staff and parents last year, this week wrote to Education Minister Sarah Mitchell to request an urgent inquiry be held into the complaints.

It is understood the Baulkham Hills MP asked that the inquiry examine any complaints made against senior staff at the high school over the past 10 years, as well as any complaints that may have been made at previous schools.

He also suggested a retired police detective lead the investigation.

Justina Barnier, Kellyville High School principal. Picture: Facebook

When asked about the letter, Ms Mitchell said an inquiry had already been initiated.

The terms of reference for the inquiry will aim to “determine the facts” while examining complaint procedures, the mandatory reporting responsibilities of the principal and school executive.

It would also look at the actions and “system improvements” undertaken by the school leadership team “in response to department recommendations”.

Actions taken by department staff in relation to complaints and concerns raised by staff and parents would also be examined.

Ms Mitchell said a report following the inquiry had been requested before Term 1, 2021.

“Last week I requested an inquiry be conducted into the administration and culture at Kellyville High School,” she said.

“Members of the school community, including staff and parents, will be interviewed as part of the inquiry.

“Both the police and the department’s independent investigative unit are examining the actions of individuals at the school, as is appropriate.’

Ms Mitchell said she believed the school was “on the right path” with a “new strong leadership team” who would be able to learn from the inquiry’s findings.