The principal of an elite Sydney boys school has reportedly been dismissed amid widespread unhappiness among staff and parents.
Shore School headmaster Tim Petterson has been dismissed by the school’s governing council after a review found new leadership was needed, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
According to the report, Dr Petterson has faced deep divisions over his leadership and management style, with more than 90 staff members leaving since he began two years ago.
The school’s governing council hired a consultant last term to conduct a review of the leadership culture at the school and concerns about Dr Petterson’s leadership.
In April, the newspaper reported he had apologised to school staff in a lengthy letter, admitting he had been unintentionally “disrespectful, insensitive and unwise”.
“I’ve been deeply troubled that there are some colleagues sitting here today that are fearful and I’m saddened that this has happened as a consequence of my leadership,” he told a staff meeting in March.
“There is no place for anyone to be in fear working here at Shore.”
Dr Petterson was reportedly informed he was being let go this week, with council chair Bay Warburton informing parents in a letter on Friday, saying the decision had been made after “deep deliberation”.
“This decision is not based on any suggestion of improper conduct on [Dr Petterson’s] part,” he said in the letter, obtained by news.com.au.
“However, council has concluded that in the interests of unity within the school, leadership renewal is required. While council appreciates the significance of a change in leadership, we believe that it is in the best interests of the school and its students.”
Former St Andrew’s Cathedral School head John Collier has been appointed interim principal.
The 133-year-old Anglican school, also known as Sydney Church of England Grammar School, SCEGS or simply Shore, is one of the country’s most exclusive institutions, with tuition fees of about $37,000 per year.
Notable alumni, referred to as “Old Boys”, include media mogul Frank Packer, Hollywood actor Errol Flynn, Jim’s Mowing founder Jim Penman and former Prime Minister John Gorton.
Its governing council is jointly appointed by the Old Boys Union and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
Shore school made headlines in 2020 after a muck-up day scandal involving a list of vile “challenges” leaked online.
“Unfortunately, the activities encouraged in the document … are illegal, harmful and, in many cases, disrespectful towards members of the public and portray an arrogant sense of entitlement and an underlying attitude that the school finds deeply offensive,” Dr Petterson said in a letter to parents at the time.
“It is extremely disappointing to all of us that their thoughtless actions have cast a shadow, not only over the considerable achievements of their classmates, but the reputation of our school generally which strives to be a respectful, inclusive and caring environment for all.”
Dr Petterson, who was previously headmaster of St Philip’s Christian College in Port Stephens, was just the eighth principal of Shore School, with his predecessors serving terms lasting up to 10, 20 or 30 years.
Shore School has been contacted for comment.
The full letter
Dear Parents and Carers
I am writing to advise you that, following extensive consideration, Council has determined that a new leadership approach is needed for the School, and that consequently Dr Timothy Petterson will not continue as Headmaster. Dr John Collier, the recently retired Head of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, has been appointed as Interim Headmaster, effective from today.
I can assure you that this decision has only been made following deep deliberation and thorough assessment of the School’s situation. As part of this deliberation, Council commissioned an independent review into the culture and leadership of the School to more fully understand the nature of and reasons for recent disquiet within elements of the School community.
Council thanks Dr Petterson for the loyalty and commitment he has given Shore, including guiding the School through the external challenges of the past two years and leading the introduction of a number of important and positive changes.
This decision is not based on any suggestion of improper conduct on his part. However, Council has concluded that in the interests of unity within the School, leadership renewal is required. While Council appreciates the significance of a change in leadership, we believe that it is in the best interests of the School and its students.
More broadly, the review highlighted the deep commitment and pride amongst staff about the School and its core purpose of teaching and learning and the development of exceptional young men. It also revealed significant support for ongoing change and improvement as we support our students and prepare them for the world beyond Shore. The review also reinforced the importance of a continued focus on educational excellence and on unifying the School behind a shared vision and purpose.
Council is pleased that Dr Collier has agreed to act as interim Headmaster until the next permanent Headmaster is able to commence. Dr Collier brings an extensive career in education spanning five decades across both public and independent schools, including over 30 years leading schools. His career has been defined by his interest in academic excellence, strong pastoral care, vibrant co-curricular programmes, and the development of young people into successful well-rounded adults and responsible citizens.
Council is confident that Dr Collier’s experience and expertise will provide the leadership and stability that is required at a time of change. There will be many opportunities for the School community to meet Dr Collier and his wife Kate in coming weeks.
Dr Petterson’s positive contribution to the School has included leading the enhancement of technology usage, the introduction of Academic Deans to focus on students’ growth and development, and a significant strengthening of the School’s career function. He has also shaped an exceptional Executive Leadership Team that is focused on excellence for the students and School. We are grateful for his significant contribution and also for the dedication of his wife Susan and her contribution to the School.
The search for the next permanent Headmaster will commence immediately.
Be assured Council is committed to ensuring that we continue to build on Shore’s core foundations and strengths – the nurture and education of the boys and girls in our care through excellence in learning and character development.
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Yours sincerely
Bay Warburton
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