Head of St. Peter's School Cambridge says departure due to 'family circumstances'
The head of St. Peter's School Cambridge has taken an "extended" leave amid allegations of a toxic workplace culture in the private school, according to reports.
School head Marcus Blackburn informed parents via email that he would be taking a leave due to "family circumstances," The New Zealand Herald reported.
Blackburn's email read: "Due to family circumstances, I am having to take an immediate and extended period of leave for the remainder of Term 3, beginning today through to Monday 14 October."
According to the NZ Herald, his announcement brought back concerns about the school's leadership culture and priorities.
Two former employees, who spoke anonymously to the Herald, described a "toxic" culture within the institution: "It was just a really toxic culture and it's burned through really good, experienced teachers who are leaving the profession."
Another former staff member said they tried to raise issues regarding teaching standards, classroom management, increased workloads, as well as delayed pay rises, but felt that their complaints fell on deaf ears.
There were also financial concerns among staff members and even parents, who were worried that funds were spent on "superficial" items such as a new school website font and a carpet that featured an embossed owl.
Not representative of all staff
John Macaskill-Smith, St Peter's Trust Board chairman, said grievances from staff members were primarily from those who resisted change. According to the chairman, the complaints were also addressed, and the changes were carried out earlier this year.
"I want to make it very clear that these views do not represent the majority of our staff or parents. For the majority, the changes we've implemented over the past year have been embraced," he said, as quoted by the NZ Herald.
He added that the changes implemented in the university were decided by senior leaders with the board, and were done with the "intention of lifting the excellence of a St Peter's education, for the benefit of our students."
The allegations of a toxic workplace culture came after a controversy surrounding its former deputy principal, Yevette Williams, who was recently cleared of bullying and harassment allegations.
Williams' husband, Dale Burden, was the former principal at St. Peter's who left after his wife amid the bullying controversy.
