Toowoomba Grammar School: Elite educational institution denies shock union claims

One of Toowoomba’s most prestigious secondary schools has denied claims from a leaked union letter that students harassed and intimidated a young adult woman following a school event.

One of Toowoomba’s most prestigious secondary schools has denied claims that students harassed and intimidated a young adult woman.

A union body and a member of the public, who requested their name be withheld, have alleged Toowoomba Grammar School students who were returning from a school activity made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to the young female adult.

It was also alleged the students involved played inappropriate music while travelling on the bus.

The woman involved is reportedly employed by the school, a member of the public who asked not to be named told News Corp Australia.

It is understood the alleged incident occurred in August.

Toowoomba Grammar School. Picture: David Clark

A Toowoomba Grammar School spokeswoman claimed there were inaccuracies in the union’s account of the incident but declined to specify which details were incorrect.

The Chronicle obtained a letter sent from the TGS IEU (Independent Education Union) Chapter Executive to Toowoomba Grammar School headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh.

Dated August 25, the letter addressed the alleged bus incident directly and outlined a number of concerns the issue had caused.

“This incident involved alleged intimidation and sexual harassment of a female member of staff by (students),” the letter said.

“While we understand that investigations are ongoing and we appreciate the school’s commitment in determining exactly what transpired, this (alleged) incident has also brought to light broader concerns regarding student behaviour which we feel compelled to bring to your attention.

“These include that this (alleged) incident is symptomatic of a more insidious misogynistic attitude among some groups within our student body (and) that this attitude is increasing in occurrence and that these behaviours have become more prevalent.

“Staff believe that the consequences for repeated offending students, have been too lenient with too many second chances, which has encouraged the continuation of such behaviour.

“Physical intimidation, verbal harassment and sexual harassment by students against staff has not been limited to this incident and is an ongoing issue that needs to be more seriously addressed.”

John Kinniburgh is the principal of Toowoomba Grammar School. Thursday, March 16, 2023. Picture: supplied

A TGS spokeswoman told News Corp Australia the letter addressed by the IEU allegedly “contained factual assumptions which are incorrect, possibly because the union representatives have no direct knowledge of the matters”.

Toowoomba Grammar School headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh said the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and community members was the school’s highest priority.

“If the school receives concerns from staff regarding student behaviour all such incidents are taken seriously and investigated in accordance with our policies,” he said.

“When students are alleged not to have complied with our Code of Conduct, TGS focuses on supporting our staff and their wellbeing.

“We always work closely with students and their parents to support their personal development, to make good decisions and to take responsibility for poor choices.”

The IEU letter stated the organisation’s aim was to ensure all members of the community had access to a harmonious and safe work environment, without the threat of bullying or harassment.

Toowoomba Grammar School. Picture: David Clark

An invitation was then extended to the school’s headmaster in the letter, to meet with the union to discuss the issue further and improve procedures.

It is understood the school responded directly to IEU’s letter.

“The TGS IEU Chapter Executive believe(s) strongly that this incident and others like it can have a detrimental impact on the school, its values, its strategic goals, and staff and community morale,” the letter stated.

“There has been a lack of communication to staff about this issue, and how it is being addressed.

“Staff do not expect details, but transparency and open communication that an issue has occurred shows a level of faith in staff professionalism.”

The TGS headmaster said all TGS students participated in personal development programs which included topics on respectful relationships, rights and responsibilities.

“Our pastoral care processes, training and reporting systems are designed to provide a safe and supportive workplace for our staff members and our students,” Dr Kinniburgh said.

“We regularly review and strengthen these processes.

“Our staff are the backbone of our community. Their efforts to support and develop our students are well recognised and valued by the entire TGS community.”

News Corp Australia approached IEU for comment but a spokeswoman from the organisation declined, stating: “Our union does not comment on individual member or school matters”.

TGS declined to comment on whether any students involved were reprimanded.