Hillcrest Christian College: parents rally in support of principal following weeks of controversy

A group of parents at an elite Gold Coast school has rallied to support its under-siege principal following weeks of controversy and bullying allegations.

A GROUP of Hillcrest Christian College parents has rallied to support under-siege principal Jeff Davis following weeks of controversy and bullying ­allegations.

One parent yesterday went as far as to say the school was the “best in the country”.

The renewed support follows allegations about mismanagement of the school, particularly over the sacking of two managers.

A Federal Court action has also been launched by the former employees over the dismissals.

More than 250 parents have joined a Facebook group dedicated to supporting the principal and rallying against the claims.

HILLCREST PARENTS AND BOARD MEMBER SHUT OUT OF SCHOOL MEETING

Hillcrest Christian College

The page, “Hillcrest Christian College Supporters”, was set up to combat a petition launched by angry parents.

Father of former Hillcrest students and group organiser Scott Nailon said he believed Mr Davis should be cleared of any criticism.

OTHER NEWS:

Anonymous donor gifts $1.5m property to homeless service

‘We have lost two strong female teachers’

Why Titans are sure Holbrook is their man

“We don’t believe that a couple of disgruntled ex-employees should be the sole voice on Hillcrest,” Mr Nailon said.

“They are absolutely hammering him in every way, shape or form. As a group of parents we wanted to show our support.

“I had never trusted the schooling system but Jeff changed that.

“He focused on our kids, helped my son.”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 12 WEEKS

Varsity College Primary School Principal Jeff Davis pictured with Ashley Gray 11 and other students working on computers .

Mr Nailon said he had to move to Sydney for work a few weeks ago but has remained involved in the community.

“Our students, past and present, deserve to be, and rightly can be, proud of their school,’’ he said.

“We have a confidence in the school’s leadership.”

Dozens of posts from other parents reflected the same ­sentiments.

Mr Davis’s wife Lynne also spoke out about the impact on the family.

“Jeff and I have been overwhelmed by your support and comments,” Ms Davis shared with the group.

“They truly have lifted our spirits and they have given Jeff the encouragement to keep going and to hold his head up high.

“We both give all the glory and praise to God for his leading and faithfulness.

“Hillcrest is an amazing community and we both feel very honoured to be a part of it.

“Thank you again and yes, we can all be very proud of Hillcrest and what God has and will continue to do through His people here.”

The Hillcrest board this month publicly reaffirmed its support for the principal and said there were “no known grounds” for his termination.