Parents urge school action
Teachers backed in Grammar turmoil
STAFF members aren’t the only group raising concerns over conflict at an elite Tasmanian school.
In a letter seen by the Mercury from Launceston Grammar parents, who wish to remain anonymous, the group wanted to ensure their views on the school’s discontent were heard.
“Teachers and staff at our school have been consummate professionals. They have compromised their own welfare and have masked their despair for the sake of our children,” they said. “We cannot continue to let them down.”
The school’s leadership came under fire this year over low staff morale and a lack of consultation and communication from school leadership.
Staff have since threatened strike action and called for an overhaul of leadership, with criticisms levelled at Richard Ford.
Last week teachers undertook a third vote of no confidence against the embattled headmaster Richard Ford, but he remains fully backed by the school’s board.
Staff met the Independent Education Union to discuss staff welfare on Thursday.
The group of parents said they witnessed the selfless acts of staff members daily.
“We need to see this in equal measure from our board and our leadership,” they said.
“Students in the upper echelons of the school require additional support in these uncertain times. The infighting is unnecessary and distracting.
“Let us all stand together and back them unreservedly, rather than engaging in public negative discourse.
“An adversarial approach serves none of our interests, our children least of all.” headmaster
Independent Education Union assistant secretary David Brear said staff were “furious” at the response of the school board after the recent no confidence motion.
“They say staff morale is at an all time low and that this is essentially a staff welfare issue and the board should act,” Mr Brear said.
Members at Thursday’s meeting requested a workplace health welfare survey be conducted among staff, and that a report of the survey’s findings be commissioned and sent to the board.
“It is really unusual for staff to pass such strong motions against their school leadership but at this school it’s happened three times. The board should be asking why,” Mr Brear said.
Board chairman Nigel Bailey said in a letter to staff on August 6 that the board was “steadfast and united” in its support for Mr Ford.