Suspension of principal causes parents concern

Suspension of principal causes parents concern

13 June 2012

PARENTS have called for more information to be made public about the suspension of a Saintfield primary school principal.

Mrs. Mary Kennedy returned to her desk at St. Mary’s Primary School on Friday over three months after being suspended by the Board of Governors.

It is believed the suspension related to a staffing issue within the school but a number of parents have expressed concern over the lack of information about the suspension.

Several contacted the Recorder last week and are calling for the governors and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) to provide more details of the case.

“We got a letter in February to say she would be absent from work and we got a letter last week saying she was returning and that’s all any of us know,” said one mother.

“The rumour mill has been in full swing but essentially we do not know any reasons for her suspension. It would surely be better for all concerned, including Mrs. Kennedy, if more information is provided,” she added.

Another mother said it would put parents at ease if they knew some more details about why Mrs. Kennedy was suspended.

“We do not need to know all the details but surely it would be better to quash some of the more ridiculous rumours going around,” she said. “I think everyone would like to be better informed about why the principal was away for those months.”

The father of a pupil said the teachers seem to be “unsettled” about Mrs. Kennedy’s return and suggested this cannot be good for the children.

“There is no doubt the teachers were unsettled, some even upset, when they were told Mrs. Kennedy was returning. I would be very worried about the impact this whole incident has had on the children.

“I understand certain procedures have to be gone through and it is difficult to say much, but to say absolutely nothing and let wild rumour take over cannot be the best way to progress the matter,” he said.

A spokesman for the CCMS declined to comment beyond saying: “The matter is a confidential process between Mrs. Kennedy and the Board of Governors.”