Shore School pulled into legal stoush after former headmaster lashes out

A former headmaster of the prestigious Shore School has sued his old workplace, continuing a period of upheaval for Sydney’s private educators.

Former Shore School headmaster Timothy Petterson is suing his former employer over a breach of his contract. Picture: John Appleyard

A former headmaster of Sydney’s Shore School, Tim Petterson, has accused the school of breach of contract.

Dr Petterson began legal ­action against Shore in early May, filing a statement of claim with the NSW Supreme Court. He led the prestigious North Sydney all-boys school from 2020 to 2022, when he was dismissed as part of an independent review.

Shore had until June 28 to file a defence, but none had been provided at time of writing. Dr Petterson would then have until July 12 to serve a reply.

Shore is represented by Colin Biggers & Paisley partner Kristen Lopes.

Dr Petterson was replaced by former St Andrew’s Cathedral School headmaster John Collier in July 2022 when a cultural review deemed that the school required a leadership shake-up.

The review was led by consultant Rhonda Brighton-Hall following a number of controversies, including a muck-up day prank where students vied to rack up offences such as ­assault, trespassing and drug consumption.

The “Triwizard Shorenament”, as it was called, was denounced by then-NSW education minister Sarah Mitchell. The review reportedly considered the testimony of students, parents and old boys who lacked confidence in Dr Petterson.

The news comes after another high-profile Sydney headmaster, Cranbrook’s Nicholas Sampson, settled with the Bellevue Hill institution over public comments made by the school he deemed “ameliorated” his reputation.

Dr Petterson was contacted for comment. The Supreme Court proceedings will be listed for directions on July 22.

At the time of Dr Petterson’s dismissal Shore council chair Bay Warburton sent a letter to parents saying the former headmaster was accused of no wrongdoing.

“Shore is saddened by Dr Tim Petterson’s decision to commence legal action. We believe this action is without merit and will defend it accordingly,” a spokesperson for the school said.

“The decision to change leadership in 2022 followed deep deliberation and a thorough process ... the school has since excelled under the guidance of Headmaster Dr John Collier.”