General News
15 June, 2023
Highview launch review into workplace behaviour
Maryborough’s Highview College has launched an independent review into workplace behaviour and whether the school’s policies and procedures are being followed. Initiated by the school board, the independent investigation will take up to three...
Maryborough’s Highview College has launched an independent review into workplace behaviour and whether the school’s policies and procedures are being followed.
Initiated by the school board, the independent investigation will take up to three weeks, during which time the school’s principal Melinda Scash has taken a leave of absence, supported by the board.
It’s unclear why the investigation was launched, however in a statement Highview College board chair Nickola Allan said staff and students “are entitled to work and learn in a respectful, caring and safe environment”.
“The board initiated review of the school’s workplace behaviours, procedures and standards is expected to take between two-to-three weeks to complete,” she said.
“The board expects that all workplace policies and procedures are adhered to and consistent with school values and standards.All staff and students are entitled to work and learn in a respectful, caring, and safe environment.
“The review has been launched to confirm whether these expectations have been or are being met.
“The board’s request for this review has been informed by a range of legal, practical, and privacy considerations, with the best interests of the school community at its centre.”
The school made national headlines last year after two students of African descent were required by the uniform policy to tie their hair back, which they argued caused pain and was not inclusive of their African descent.
The mother of the girls reported the matter to the Human Rights Commission, a situation that is understood to be ongoing.
The independent review is the second time since 2017, according to the ABC, that the school has had an external investigation undertaken.
In 2017, Worksafe responded to a bullying complaint made by a staff member and found the school did not have appropriate reporting and investigations processes in place to manage allegations of workplace bullying.
The ABC states the school undertook an independent investigation as a result and was later deemed compliant by Worksafe.
During Ms Scash’s absence, the school’s director of administration Stuart Mandersloot will assume the role of acting principal.