Embattled Rotary Park School principal Carmel Casey has
spoken for the first time about her disputes with parents and
staff at the school during the past 12 months.
In a written statement approved by her lawyer, she has
described the investigation process into her competence as a
teacher and allegations she bullied staff, and now she is
awaiting the results.
"It is certainly correct that relationships with staff have
been difficult and that they did not want me to return from
secondment to Auckland University.
"A commissioner took over from the board of trustees and,
late last year, he appointed an experienced lawyer to
investigate whether the staff complaints have any substance.
"As I understand it, the investigator has just completed his
interviews with staff.""No doubt he will ask me to respond to
anything he feels might have substance, and will then advise
the commissioner of his findings," Mrs Casey said.
"That process was agreed by all parties and I am perfectly
happy to wait for the investigator's findings, even if staff
apparently are not.
"It is unfortunate that, without knowing all the facts, some
parents have decided the three staff are right and have
removed their children from the school.
"But parents have an absolute right to decide which school
their children will attend and the reasons for that decision
are their own affair," she said.
Thirty pupils attended classes at Rotary Park School
yesterday, and there were hopes the number would increase
with time.
Commissioner Cleave Hay and Mrs Casey rejected allegations
made by an anonymous parent that only 13 pupils turned up for
class on Monday.
Mrs Casey said 31 pupils returned to the school on Monday
morning, not counting those who were taken away by their
parents for a march to highlight concerns over allegations
against her.
Mr Hay said 51 pupils had been expected to return at the
start of this year.
