Thousands sign petition to have Manor Lakes P-12 College principal Steve Warner reinstated
Manor Lakes P-12 College principal Steve Warner has received a groundswell of support, with thousands using an online petition to demand his reinstatement after he was filmed dragging a student through school grounds.
VCE
Don't miss out on the headlines from VCE . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Almost 15,000 people have signed an online petition to reinstate a school principal who was filmed dragging a young boy through a playground.
Manor Lakes P-12 College principal Steve Warner was stood down pending an investigation of a video that shows him dragging a student by the arm.
MANOR LAKES SCHOOL DRAG SPARK REVEALED
MANOR LAKES COLLEGE PRINCIPAL STOOD DOWN
CONFIDENTIAL STUDENT DETAILS BREACHED
But the petition addressed to Education Minister James Merlino said Mr Warner had turned the Wyndham Vale school around in his two years as principal.
“He has been an amazing influence on the school and its students. Steve’s dedication to his school community has been tremendous, petition author Mark England said.
“He has improved discipline and behaviour across the school and his management has seen many improvements in the school’s facilities for students, making for a fantastic environment.
“The worst outcome of this situation would be for the school to lose him as the principal and leader.
“His work has only just started to take effect and there are only good things that could come from him continuing in his role.”
Mr England said the petitioners were asking that his “dedicated work” was not lost after an “isolated incident”.
The show of support comes after an extraordinary council meeting was held on Saturday night by parent members of the Manor Lakes College council.
In a statement issued on social media, council president Janette England said the school had transformed under Mr Warner.
But Education Minister James Merlino said when the video emerged last month that Mr Warner’s behaviour was “completely unacceptable”.
“As the Minister for Education and as a parent, this footage is appalling and concerning,” he said.
“Let me be very clear, I will not tolerate this kind of completely unacceptable behaviour in our schools.”
Victoria Police confirmed it was investigating a report made regarding the treatment of a student at a Wyndham Vale school on January 31.
The Department of Education also launched an investigation and stood Mr Warner down.
“In accordance with established processes, the principal will not be at the school until all investigations are finalised and a decision is made concluding this matter,” an education department spokeswoman said.
“The Department is committed to ensuring this investigation is completed as soon as possible.”
Your guide to schools around Dandenong
As more people move to Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, the need for secondary schools in the area grows. Here’s a comprehensive guide of each school you can send your child to, including the VCE scores, subjects and public transport options.
Where to send your child to school in Sunbury
Sunbury was once a sleepy country town, but is today seen as an extension of Melbourne. There are several places to send your child to high school — here’s our comprehensive guide to VCE scores and public transport options.