Rock God to Muslim convert: Punchbowl High School principal Chris Griffiths’ secret past

HE has toured the country as frontman of a folk-rock band but this image could not be further from the one presented by Chris Griffiths as Punchbowl Boys High School principal, a Muslim convert who was suspended.

Former Punchbowl Boys High School principal Chris Griffiths, known as ‘Griff’, fronts the folk-rock band Grimick.

HE has toured the country as frontman of a folk-rock band, cites Queen, U2 and Red Hot Chili Peppers as his influences, and walked the red carpet as a finalist in the Australian Independent Music Awards.

The guitar-playing rock image could not be further from the one presented by Chris Griffiths as Punchbowl Boys High School principal, a Muslim convert suspended by the Education Department, accused of refusing to run a deradicalisation program at the high-risk school.

“Griff”, as he is known to music fans and friends, has for almost a decade been the lead vocalist and guitarist with moderately successful folk-rock outfit Grimick.

The band, featured on ABC youth radio station Triple J’s Unearthed, and has played at blues and rock festivals across the country. Grimick’s songs are described by fans as “soulful” and “catchy”.

‘Griff’ singing for band Grimick before he changed his life and converted to Islam.

Music is a controversial issue in Islam, with many Muslims believing it is “haram” (banned) by the teachings of Mohammed.

The trio — the other members are known as Mick and Dr Fear — last performed more than a year ago at the Nanga Festival in Western Australia.

At the same time the band was recording and performing, “Griff” juggled his day job as head mathematics teacher at the mostly Muslim Belmore Boys High School. He was then promoted to deputy and later principal of Punchbowl Boys High.

In a revealing recorded interview with music blogger Bill Quinn ahead of appearing at the National Folk Festival in 2013, Mr Griffiths spoke of the need to sometimes “work around the system” to find ways to connect with kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Chris Griffith as part of the Sydney trio Grimick.

Griffiths was suspended as principal of Punchbowl Boys.

He told of his passion for teaching and how he often used music to reach out to students, some of whom inspired his songs.

He said many pupils would otherwise “fail to show up” at school.

“A number of my songs have probably been inspired by some of the students I’ve worked with, some of the teachers I’ve worked with over the years,” he said. “It’s a way you can connect with kids, particularly in the type of environment (of) a disadvantaged school in southwestern Sydney — you need things that you can connect with the kids on.

“You got boys there that we have in our school here where there’s no shortage of intelligence, but they are not necessarily directing that intelligence or talent or whatever into those mainstream courses.”

He spoke of the school song he helped write with his students that was “played on the 7.30 Report”.

“It’s actually quite moving, because you realise that for some kids, school is the most stable element in their lives,” he said.

“They’re actually wanting to write something from the heart, and if you can help that along, or be a bit of a vehicle for that, even just to put the right people in place to help that ... that’s what you try to work around the system to do.”

Chris Griffiths photographed after he was suspended from his role as Punchbowl Boys principal.

Less than four years later his school career is in limbo. He and his deputy Joumana Dennaoui remain on paid leave, pending a departmental decision on their future. Mr Griffiths has sought legal advice on his options as the department builds its case for removing the pair.

A source at the school spoke of competitive rivalries between former high-profile principal Jihad Dib, now a Labor MP, and Mr Griffiths, with the deputy moving to put his own stamp on the school, including scrapping programs Mr Dib introduced to encourage harmony at the school and between students and police.

While he won over students, one former colleague of Mr Griffiths said staff found him “distant” and “cold”.

“He always seemed to be searching for his spirituality, and then one day  he  announced  he  had converted,” the ex-colleague said.

“He didn’t given an explanation. He was difficult to get know.”