Launceston Church Grammar board condemned in vote by staff

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THE BOARD of a prestigious Tasmanian private school has been condemned by staff following months of unrest.

On Monday night, 61 union members at Launceston Grammar voted in favour of condemning the school board for their continued support of embattled headmaster Richard Ford and again called for Mr Ford to be removed from his position.

Staff have previously passed three motions of no confidence against the headmaster.

Independent Education Union assistant secretary David Brear said after the second no-confidence motion against the headmaster in March, Mr Ford said that he had listened and learned.

Launceston Church Grammar Principal Richard Ford.

“But things haven’t changed,” Mr Brear said.

“Many teachers at the school say that they feel miserable about what’s being going on at work when schools need trust and collegial respect to flourish.”

He said staff members have continued to raise concerns over a continued “lack of clarity” around leadership roles and the appointment of staff from Mr Ford’s home state of New South Wales.

Board chairman Nigel Bailey said seven permanent teaching staff left the school in 2020 “due to retirement, promotion, moves interstate and other reasons”.

“One senior staff member has taken up a principal’s position on the North-West Coast,” he said.

Launceston Church Grammar. Picture: LAUNCESTON CHURCH GRAMMAR

“Launceston Church Grammar School is a sought-after destination teaching school, with recently appointed positions attracting interest from around Australia and internationally.

“In 2021, our incoming staff demographic will include teachers from across Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and Western Australia.”

Mr Bailey did not comment on the union vote.

“The focus of Launceston Church Grammar School is on celebrating the achievements of students, staff and the entire school community in what has been a tumultuous year due to COVID-19,” he said.

Staff members, who wished to remain anonymous, said they felt let down by the board.

“They’re supposed to be looking after the school, not just the headmaster,” they said.

“Getting a job at Grammar used to be like being handed gold. No one ever left unless they were in a box.

“Now you don’t know who you can trust.”

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