Shore School says ex-headmaster Tim Petterson was warned over ‘performance, conduct’

Sydney’s Shore School has claimed concerns about the ‘performance’ of a former headmaster were repeatedly raised before his contract was terminated.

Timothy Petterson. Picture: John Appleyard

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Sydney’s Shore School has claimed concerns about the “performance and conduct” of a former headmaster were repeatedly raised before his contract was terminated, as he argues he was blindsided by the move.

Tim Petterson, who left his position as headmaster of the prestigious boys school in mid-2022 following an independent review of the culture and leadership of the school, is seeking reinstatement and/or reimbursement for a breach of his employment contract.

In a statement of claim, sent to court mid-last year but only recently released to the media, Dr Petterson asks for “an order that the (Shore School) specifically perform the contract by reinstating (Dr Petterson) to the position of headmaster”.

The Australian asked Dr Petterson’s solicitor whether his client still wanted to be reinstated but did not receive a response. The school is now headed by John Collier, who previously ran St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney.

Dr Petterson also wants the school to admit it acted in a “misleading or deceptive manner” when it told him he had “performed his contractual obligations” but soon after dismissed him “without cause, explanation or justification”.

The independent culture review was launched by then-head of the school council Bay Warburton. Not mentioned in the documents are media reports from the end of 2021, which noted 90 staff members had left over the previous two years. There were other publicly reported challenges such as the “Triwizard Shorenament” – a muck-up day scavenger hunt of tasks developed by year 12 students which included assaults, trespassing and drug-taking.

Numerous letters and emails sent to Dr Petterson ahead of his termination in July 2022, outlined in Shore’s defence document, involved “conduct at the year 12 parent forum”. There were numerous calls and emails from Mr Warburton about Dr Petterson’s “style and management issues”, “cultural issues”, and his “pedagogy and lack of ­direction”.

Timothy Petterson was the eight headmaster of the Shore School at North Sydney. Picture: John Appleyard

The school’s defence also includes media inquiries, and feedback from the school council and external consultants.

Dr Petterson says in his statement of claim that “neither Bay Warburton nor any member of the council advised or informed the plaintiff of any unsatisfactory performance by him in the performance of his duties”.

He also says he was not provided with the facts or a reason for his dismissal, and was not given an opportunity to address concerns or correct any inaccuracies. Dr Petterson says at previous yearly reviews he was praised for his leadership, including for the safe management of the school during Covid, for pushing forward a capital works program, and was “commended for the grace he had shown” in the role “at a time of great operational challenge”.

The school disagrees he “did everything necessary” to meet his contractual obligations.

Shore says Dr Petterson was offered a severance package “over and above his contractual entitlements”, and does not believe he should be reinstated or is privy to any other damages.

In a letter to parents in July 2022, Mr Warburton wrote that the decision was “not based on any suggestion of improper conduct on [Mr Petterson’s] part” but that the “Council has concluded that in the interests of unity within the School, leadership renewal is required.”

A Shore spokesperson previously told media the school was “saddened” that Mr Petterson had brought the civil action.

“The school has since excelled under the guidance of headmaster Dr John Collier and the executive leadership team,” it said.

The matter returns to court in April.