Andrew Doyle: Marton Public School principal suspended

Thousands of parents, community members and even the local MP are calling for a popular principal to be reinstated after being suspended from his position.

A Sydney public school principal suspended pending a professional standards investigation has been backed by thousands of parents and community members who want him reinstated.

Marton Public School principal Andrew Doyle was suspended in December 2020 due to an investigation into his conduct at the school undertaken by Professional and Ethical Standards (PES).

An Education Department spokesman refused to be drawn on specific claims against Mr Doyle involving allegations of misconduct, which were outlined in a Change.org petition signed by thousands of parents and community members supporting him.

It is understood the investigation relates to claims about work done by contractors at the school and there is no suggestion of any criminal wrongdoing by Mr Doyle.

“Decisions to undertake an investigation are made by PES, not by staff or members of the community,” the spokesman said.

“Investigations carried out by PES are independent and the decisions they make can be appealed - but decisions and ongoing investigations made by PES are confidential.”

The spokesman said he was unable to provide any further information on Mr Doyle’s movements but confirmed the acting principal was Jody McDonald.

Marton Public School principal Andrew Doyle. Picture: Marton Public School

Parents and community members have subsequently formed the Marton Action Group demanding Mr Doyle be reinstated.

An online petition has gathered 2533 signatures supporting the principal.

“He was not allowed the opportunity to say goodbye to the children and their families who he cares so much for, and who have cared for him throughout his time as principal of the school,” the group wrote in the petition.

“Andrew Doyle would put everything into caring about the children at his school and he cared for them as though they were his own – he knew them all by name and would often play handball with them before school and after school whilst they waited for their bus.”

Parents and guardians also lauded Mr Doyle as a truly engaged educator who was adored by his students.

“The children loved telling him about their weekend, what they got up to inside and outside of school, their pets and anything that was important to the child,” the group stated.

“Marton Public School has discos for the children that are always great fun and one of the main highlights of our discos that the kids always looked forward to was ‘DJ Doyle’.

“The children could not wait to see what costume Mr Doyle was dressed in and what cool music he was going to play for them.”

Craig Kelly MP has backed parents. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The group said Mr Doyle was “exceptional” and the Education Department’s decision was “absolutely and tragically wrong”.

“We demand that Mr. Doyle’s case be reviewed again and that the petty reasons for his departure as our principal be thoroughly investigated,” the group stated.

“We as parents, are all very concerned as to how our children are taking the news of Mr Doyle’s sudden and unexplained removal as the children have not been told anything as to why their beloved principal is no longer at school.”

Hughes federal independent MP Craig Kelly has also publicly stated his support for Mr Doyle.

“I stand with the Marton Public School community in calling for Mr Andrew Doyle to be reinstated as Principal at Marton Public School in Engadine,” Mr Kelly wrote on his Facebook page.

“The Marton Action Group started this petition and they have my full support.”