Kellyville High School principal Justina Barnier no longer at school

Justina Barnier, the principal of a north western Sydney high school that has received 20 complaints from parents and teachers, has “taken leave from the school’ while the Department of Education investigates the claims made against her.

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A Sydney high school principal who has received 20 complaints from parents and teachers is “on leave” and “engaged … in another role” while investigations continue.

The Department of Education has been investigating a series of complaints about Kellyville High School principal Justina Barnier since July last year.

Some of the complaints, in letters sent to the department and sighted by The Sunday Telegraph, alleged Ms Barnier a “toxic culture” at the school.

Kellyville High School Principal Justina Barnier.

Former teachers spoke of low morale and a “dictatorial culture” while one parent said the issues with staff meant students concerns were being ignored.

In a letter sent to parents this week, a DET director for The Ponds region said the Department had engaged Ms Barnier “in another role”.

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“I am writing to advise that Ms Justine Barnier is being engaged by the Department in another role for a period of time in Term One,” it said.

The letter said a relieving principal had taken Ms Barnier’s place.

The Sunday Telegraph contacted the school last week to speak with Ms Barnier but was directed to the Department.

A Department spokesman said Ms Barnier had taken leave from the school.

Baulkham Hills MP David Elliott.

Kellyville High School.

“The principal of Kellyville High School is currently on leave from the school,” a Department spokesman said.

“As is standard practice, a qualified and experienced school executive officer will be relieving in the position.

“The Department is prohibited from disclosing the employment and leave details of staff.”

Issues at the school first surfaced on the local Dads of the Hills Facebook group with some members meeting with Baulkham Hills MP David Elliott, who forwarded their issues to the department despite being accused by some of interfering.

While Ms Barnier has not spoken publicly of the claims, a note attached to the staff lunch table in August refuted the allegations.

“Another question we should ask is whether the information presented is factual and from a reliable source, or is it driven by emotional, irrational and unfounded gossip?” it said.

The letter noted the school's “no tolerance” approach to bullying, evident from the fact “the whole student body from Year 7 to 12” were involved in the creation of the school’s anti-bullying policy.

Originally published as Kellyville High School principal Justina Barnier no longer at school