Ave Maria College in Aberfeldie under investigation amid claims “staff are treated like dirt”

The principal of Ave Maria College in Aberfeldie has taken leave after the Herald Sun revealed the leading Catholic girls’ school was being investigated over claims of a bullying management style that left staff “in tears”.

The principal of Ave Maria College in Melbourne’s north west is taking leave as the school undergoes an external review into its workplace culture.

The shock move follows Herald Sun revelations into the leadership style of the school, with current and former staff saying they are being “treated like dirt” and “often end up in tears”.

More than 10 former and current staff members at Ave Maria have told the Herald Sun they were regularly humiliated, traumatised and bullied while working at the leading Catholic girls’ school in Aberfeldie in Melbourne’s northwest.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), the body that runs Ave Maria, has ordered a review into the school’s internal staff culture.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting the allegations are true, only that they have been made and are being investigated

Staff were called to a sudden meeting on Friday morning where principal Tanya Hutton addressed them.

Ms Hutton said she spoke not as a principal but “as a person, who like all of us is constantly learning and growing and navigating the challenges of life and leadership”.

“No one is perfect and I acknowledge I too have areas where I can reflect, listen more deeply and continue to grow,” she said.

“I welcome the review and whatever the recommendations may be.”

Ave Maria College principal Tanya Hutton has taken leave. Picture: Supplied

MACS wrote to parents following the Herald Sun revelations, saying Ms Hutton will be taking leave “out of respect” for the review process and in order to “preserve its integrity”.

Dane Calleja will serve as Acting Principal during this time.

The MACS statement, signed by Sarah Parry, said: “We are committed to fostering a positive workplace culture and take all feedback from staff seriously. This review is one of the ways we are acting on staff feedback.”

“Staff have been invited to participate openly and honestly in the process, and we strongly encourage their involvement.”

Staff told the Herald Sun they first raised issues with the Catholic governing body as far back as September last year, but little action was taken.

Sources from the school said they wanted to ensure the process was independent and not controlled by figures from MACS such as Ms Parry.

A current teacher said “students have been asking staff if they are okay”.

The teachers have all stressed how much they like the school and students, but struggle with the way its leaders operate.

A MACS representative told staff in the Friday meeting their participation in the wellbeing and culture review, which will start next week, would be anonymous.

“I want to recognise all the good work that’s being done here at Ave,” he said.

Sources said they were “relieved” and pleased to have Mr Calleja in charge.

Teachers have lifted the lid on the alleged bullying management style at Ave Maria College. Picture: Kylie Else.

The Herald Sun has spoken to more than 10 former and current staff who say they love the school, but are yelled at in staff meetings, humiliated and even hospitalised with stress and high blood pressure.

“Last year multiple ambulances were called to the school for staff,” one insider said.

“Many staff are on mental health plans as a result.”

Another staff member said: “There is ongoing bullying”.

This had created a workplace that is “both emotionally damaging and professionally unsustainable,” they said.

The claims come despite the school’s popularity and high results.

The school has kept its high enrolment of around 800 girls throughout recent years, despite a competitive schooling environment.

It has annual fees of around $10,000 in year 12 and excellent VCE results, with 18 per cent of its students in 2024 achieving an ATAR of over 90.

Despite this, one teacher said staff “are no longer confident to raise ideas or concerns without being targeted” by a number of leaders of the school, led Ms Hutton.

Nearly 20 staff, including some members of the senior management team have left in recent years.

“We are subjected to belittling, intimidation and psychological manipulation,” another worker said.

Staff say Ms Hutton accidentally sent an invoice for a $350,000 statue of the Virgin Mary to all staff last year, while at the same time cutting subject offerings in VCE and classroom support for learning diverse students.

“We were astonished – how could a school that’s cutting student services be spending money on a pointless statue?” one school staffer said.

The controversial $350,000 statue purchased by Ave Maria College. Picture: Supplied

Another called it a “massive faux pas”.

A further teacher said the statue’s purchase upset many amid ongoing budget pressures.

“We have more kids than ever with high needs and more kids with individual learning plans which is challenging,” they said.

“Quite a few staff have broken down and ended up leaving as they are getting so burnt out.”

One former staff member said she was “left traumatised by my time at the school”.

“It was an absolute nightmare, with people going home in tears. I would wake up wondering what I was going to have to face today,” she said.

Another said the school’s motto, Strive for Truth through Love, “was an absolute joke given that we were treated like dirt”.

“So much for walking in the footsteps of Jesus.”

A MACs spokeswoman said: “Our teaching staff are at the heart of our school communities, and their wellbeing is essential.”

“All feedback provided by staff, parents and the community is listened to and acted upon.

“An independent review into staff culture is currently underway at the College.

“We encourage staff to come forward as part of this process and acknowledge those who already have,” she said.

Originally published as Ave Maria College in Aberfeldie under investigation amid claims “staff are treated like dirt”