To: The Moderators of the Uniting Church and Presbyterian Church:
Reverend G. Watt and Reverend D. Baker.
We, the undersigned are concerned about the sudden and unexpected resignation of Somerville House Principal. Mrs Florence Kearney.
As details emerge there is growing concern that her departure may not have been as willing as we have been led to believe.
With some suspicion that there may be underlying issues at the core of the PMSA governance we respectfully request that in order to protect the pupils, staff and reputation of Somerville House that you immediately and unequivocally: REMOVE SOMERVILLE HOUSE FROM PMSA CONTROL AND APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER SOMERVILLE HOUSE.
We ask that you do this until such times as there can be reassurance and evidence that all governance of the school at the PMSA level has been proved to be in accordance with the law.
Updates
October 15, 2017
I am truly overwhelmed by the messages and stories many of you have shared with me about why this school matters so much. It is clear that this is about far more than a single resignation and the strength of this community is the only reason we have been able to keep pushing for some real answers. Please know that I am reading everything and trying to figure out the best way to make sure these concerns reach the people who need to hear them.
October 15, 2017
I am honestly overwhelmed by how quickly this has moved. None of this would be happening if you had not decided to care about our school and its future. Thank you for making this vision your own.
Reached 100 supporters
October 15, 2017
76 Comments
I am quite shocked at the behaviour of the PMSA. We are supposed to teaching our young women about equality and integrity in society. The behaviour of members of the PMSA is unacceptable. What messages are we giving our girls if we as parents accept this behaviour?
Flo is an outstanding head of school. The integrity of the PMSA leadership has been called into question. Independent oversight is needed until matters are investigated and questions answered. In these troubling times, the legacy of female educational excellence must be upheld.
Mrs Kearney is an ethical and professional person who has been treated poorly, we need to re-instate Mrs Kearney and become an independent school (not run by the PMSA), we need a resolution ASAP
Lets resolve this quickly please. How can our girls "thrive" if the school continues to be governed by the PMSA ?? After what has been reported of the PMSA this week - I have no confidence in their ability to oversee our amazing school. Time for change!
As an Old Girl I'm appalled to hear the PMSA is covering up wrong-doing and Mrs Kearney is resigning over their actions. Somerville House is not a toy for the volunteer PMSA councillors to play with. Time for those involved at the PMSA to move aside.
bobo
Whoever is writing the DGF posts is damaging the school its supposedly defending (not the PMSA). Measured, intelligent and dignified argument is always better than emotive ranting, which is so distressing to those of us who love the school. And yes, the school is not the PMSA. You aren't actually hitting your real target when you state that parents are taking daughters out of SH. You're hurting the students who are staying, their parents and hundreds of staff. Fight your fight with dignity or you become what you despise.
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To: The Moderators of the Uniting Church and Presbyterian Church:
Reverend G. Watt and Reverend D. Baker.
We, the undersigned are concerned about the sudden and unexpected resignation of Somerville House Principal. Mrs Florence Kearney.
As details emerge there is growing concern that her departure may not have been as willing as we have been led to believe.
With some suspicion that there may be underlying issues at the core of the PMSA governance we respectfully request that in order to protect the pupils, staff and reputation of Somerville House that you immediately and unequivocally: REMOVE SOMERVILLE HOUSE FROM PMSA CONTROL AND APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER SOMERVILLE HOUSE.
We ask that you do this until such times as there can be reassurance and evidence that all governance of the school at the PMSA level has been proved to be in accordance with the law.
Updates
October 15, 2017
I am truly overwhelmed by the messages and stories many of you have shared with me about why this school matters so much. It is clear that this is about far more than a single resignation and the strength of this community is the only reason we have been able to keep pushing for some real answers. Please know that I am reading everything and trying to figure out the best way to make sure these concerns reach the people who need to hear them.
October 15, 2017
I am honestly overwhelmed by how quickly this has moved. None of this would be happening if you had not decided to care about our school and its future. Thank you for making this vision your own.
Reached 100 supporters
October 15, 2017
76 Comments
I have 2 girls in Junior school. I am disappointed in the deplorable treatment of staff that were acting in the best interest of the school and general ethics. The resistance to sack the unethical is very concerning. Flo Kearney should be reinstated.
I am quite shocked at the behaviour of the PMSA. We are supposed to teaching our young women about equality and integrity in society. The behaviour of members of the PMSA is unacceptable. What messages are we giving our girls if we as parents accept this behaviour?
Flo is an outstanding head of school. The integrity of the PMSA leadership has been called into question. Independent oversight is needed until matters are investigated and questions answered. In these troubling times, the legacy of female educational excellence must be upheld.
Mrs Kearney is an ethical and professional person who has been treated poorly, we need to re-instate Mrs Kearney and become an independent school (not run by the PMSA), we need a resolution ASAP
Lets resolve this quickly please. How can our girls "thrive" if the school continues to be governed by the PMSA ?? After what has been reported of the PMSA this week - I have no confidence in their ability to oversee our amazing school. Time for change!
As an Old Girl I'm appalled to hear the PMSA is covering up wrong-doing and Mrs Kearney is resigning over their actions. Somerville House is not a toy for the volunteer PMSA councillors to play with. Time for those involved at the PMSA to move aside.
bobo
Whoever is writing the DGF posts is damaging the school its supposedly defending (not the PMSA). Measured, intelligent and dignified argument is always better than emotive ranting, which is so distressing to those of us who love the school. And yes, the school is not the PMSA. You aren't actually hitting your real target when you state that parents are taking daughters out of SH. You're hurting the students who are staying, their parents and hundreds of staff. Fight your fight with dignity or you become what you despise.
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I have 2 girls in Junior school. I am disappointed in the deplorable treatment of staff that were acting in the best interest of the school and general ethics. The resistance to sack the unethical is very concerning. Flo Kearney should be reinstated.