The principal of a Walkerville school, who was the subject of bullying allegations, has stepped down

The principal of a Walkerville school, who has been the subject of a three-month investigation into her conduct, has stepped down due to pressures on her health.

The principal of a prestigious Adelaide private school has resigned in the wake of an investigation into her conduct, citing pressures on her health.

St Andrew’s School principal Jackie Becher on Friday sent an email to staff saying she intended to step down, effective July 1.

Ms Becher was the subject of a three-month investigation – led by former senior deputy president of the Fair Work Commission Matthew O’Callaghan – which was finalised in recent weeks.

The investigation came after staff and parents made more than 20 complaints, including about bullying, against her.

In her email, Ms Becher said “recent media coverage” had “overshadowed” the school’s achievements, “taking a particularly heavy toll on all of us”.

“So, in the best interests of the school and my own health and wellbeing, I have decided it is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my career,” she wrote.

In an email to parents on Friday, the school’s board said the information gathered by Mr O’Callaghan “remains in strict legal confidence”.

Board chairwoman Peta St Clair later clarified to The Advertiser that the investigation “did not sustain any of the bullying allegations against Ms Becher”.

Ms St Clair said in her email to parents that the investigation was “fundamental to the board’s consideration of complex issues impacting the school community and Jackie most of all”.

Ms St Clair noted the board had made “no adverse findings against Jackie, nor has she been removed from her role”.

“However, due to the personal and professional impact the investigation and accompanying media scrutiny has placed on the school, and Jackie personally, Jackie has made the decision to step down from her role. The pressure on her has been immense.”

Ms St Clair also told parents that Ms Becher had “helped set the school on a path to excellence” and noted Mr O’Callaghan’s report “reflected very positively on Jackie’s skills and contributions”.

Retiring Principal of St Andrew’s School Jackie Becher, who has been in charge since January 2021. Picture: Supplied by St Andrew’s School

But having received Ms St Clair’s email, one concerned parent said they felt the communication from the school was “gaslighting the community.”

“The have completely failed to address any of the concerns and complaints raised ... and instead just praised her throughout the email,” they said.

“It gives me no faith in the school board and whoever they appoint to replace Ms Becher.

“I don’t see a future for my child at the school.”

Another member of the school community said they were frustrated with the board’s lack of transparency with staff and parents.

“This has all occurred under the board’s watch and they are only interested in protecting themselves while further hurting staff, teachers and parents who have raised issues,” they said.

“It is appalling and shows that they have learned nothing.”

The school spokesman said Mr O’Callaghan’s investigation “necessarily protected the identity of complainants”.

“The board does not, therefore, know the identity of each and every complainant, which makes it impossible to respond to them individually,” he said.

Ms St Clair later added: “The information to the community is as transparent as is possible in the circumstances ... Everything that could be conveyed legally and safely has been conveyed.”

A separate SafeWork SA investigation into the school has yet to be concluded. Safework has not detailed exactly what it is looking at.

Deputy principal Cathie Egarr will be acting principal while the school searches for a permanent replacement.

Originally published as The principal of a Walkerville school, who was the subject of bullying allegations, has stepped down