St Joseph’s College headmaster Dr Chris Hayes’ shock resignation
After just a year-and-a-half in the top job, St Joseph’s College headmaster Dr Chris Hayes sent a letter to parents on Friday announcing his sudden resignation — without an explanation as to why he’s not returning to the Hunters Hill private school.
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The headmaster of Sydney’s prestigious St Joseph’s College has tendered a shock snap resignation.
After just a year-and-a-half in the top job, headmaster Dr Chris Hayes sent a letter to parents on Friday announcing he would not be at the Hunters Hill private school when the boys return from holidays.
“After much reflection, prayer and discernment with my loving family, I have chosen to resign as headmaster of the College effective immediately,” Dr Hayes wrote.
“While I have loved my time with the many students, staff, parents, and Old Boys with whom I have walked with, it is now time to say goodbye.
“I wish all the St Joseph’s College community, particularly our Graduating Class of 2020, all the very best for the days that lie ahead.”
Dr Hayes has previously held the top job at Xavier College in Melbourne and Saint Edmund’s College in Canberra, as well as running the boarding school at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview.
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Neither the school or Marist Brothers would comment on why Dr Hayes has resigned so suddenly.
Dr Hayes intends to move back to Melbourne with his wife Margaret.
Parents had suspected something was amiss when Dr Hayes was nowhere to be seen at the GPS 1st XV rugby championship last week, in which Joey’s lost to the The King’s School at home.
Former Joey’s headmaster of 12 years, Ross Tarlinton, has been brought back at short notice to run the school until the end of next year.
The Saturday Telegraph understands Mr Tarlinton enjoys huge support from parents and old boys.
Marist Schools Australia will conduct a search for a permanent replacement between now and the end of the 2021 school year.
“The manner in which Chris (Hayes) has related to members of the extensive St Joseph’s College community has been greatly appreciated and recognised,” Marist Schools Australia national director Frank Molloy said.
“Trust in others and empowering colleagues to lead have been qualities evident in abundance. “His relaxed and personable manner with the boys enabled him to relate to them with genuine encouragement and respect.
“I thank Chris for all he has given to the Saint Joseph’s College community over these past three years and for the unwavering support of his family, especially Chris’ wife Margaret.”