Embattled Trinity Grammar headmaster departs after haircut saga

TRINITY Grammar’s embattled headmaster has stepped down citing ‘family reasons’ following the controversial sacking — and reinstatement — of deputy Rohan Brown for cutting a student’s hair.

DR Michael Davies has resigned as headmaster of Trinity Grammar school.

Staff at the exclusive private school in Kew were told the news at a snap meeting this morning.

The Herald Sun understands Dr Davies told them of his decision to leave the school, which has been in the media spotlight since its council controversially sacked deputy principal Rohan Brown for cutting a student’s hair.

Dr Davies, formerly at St Kevin’s, cited family reasons for his departure.

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Trinity headmaster Dr Michael Davies.

Rohan Brown greets students as they return on their first day of school from holidays.

Students protesting over the sacking of Mr Brown. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Last night all support and teaching staff were summonsed via email to a special meeting held at 8am this morning.

The mood of the meeting was sombre as Dr Davies spoke of the need to allow the school to heal.

Parent Jo Slater said she was “delighted by the news”.

“This allows TGS to move forward and once again be the exceptional school producing young men of wonderful character who are positive influences on those around them,” she said.

“The boys are very pleased and we are all looking forward to continuing the year without distractions”.

Stand-in headmaster Phil De Young said he was hoping to start on July 9. He expects to be in the job between six months and eighteen months.

“I am pleased to be able to assist but it is sad it has come to this,” Mr De Young said.

He was the principal of Carey Baptist Grammar for eight years and previously worked in senior roles at Caulfield Grammar and Wesley College.

The school said in a statement Dr Davies would finish his five-year tenure at the end of the term.

“We have accepted Michael’s resignation but are sorry to see him leave,” Council chairman Robert Utter says in the statement.

“It would be easy to forget these achievements given recent circumstances at the school but they remain accurate measures of our recent history.

“On behalf of School Council, I wish Michael and his family all the very best and thank them for their service to and care for our school community.”

Dr Davies says: “Having successfully resolved some complex matters over recent weeks, I am now content that our hard work in recent weeks has helped the school return to a position where students and staff are enjoying the normal rhythm of school life.”

Mr Brown was sacked in March for cutting a student’s hair on school photo day, but returned in April after an independent review found his dismissal was not justified.

He declined to comment today but is telling colleagues he is concentrating on his current position.

Mr Brown is greeted by colleagues on the first day back at school from holidays. Picture: The Australian

Alex Papas had his hair cut by Mr Brown when he was a student at Trinity more than a decade ago. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Students passionately protested his removal.

Dr Davies has spoken widely to members of the school community about the pressure the sacking and its fallout placed on his wife, Donna, and their daughters.

In recent months Dr Davies was the subject of a vote of no confidence passed by teachers, with 55 per cent voting against his leadership and only 26 per cent of teachers expressing confidence.

He was also the subject of a motion in town hall meeting earlier this year, in which 1000 members of the school community expressed a lack of confidence in his continued leadership.

Since he came to the school he has been criticised for focusing too much on building projects and academic results rather than the broader education of the boys.

A former Trinity Grammar pupil who had his hair cut by Mr Brown more than a decade ago said schoolyard trims had happened without drama for years.

Alex Papas, now in his late 20s, said the cut never did him any harm.

“I turned out just fine — in fact, I am a better person for it,” Mr Papas said.

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