Late yesterday, the current Cranbrook School Council became aware for the first-time of allegations of an extremely concerning past conduct matter involving a current Senior School teacher at Cranbrook. The allegations do not involve past or present Cranbrook students. The Senior School teacher involved was immediately placed on leave pending the School’s further assessment of the matter.
The circumstances of the matter and subsequently Mr Sampson’s failure to disclose the matter to the current School Council in the context of this week’s ABC Four Corners broadcast, have led to an irrevocable breakdown of trust between the Headmaster and the School Council.
The School Council communicated this to Mr Sampson and this morning received his resignation.
Mrs Michele Marquet, current Head of Junior School, has been appointed Acting Head of School. Mrs Marquet has been with Cranbrook for 26 years and is a passionate advocate for the School, its students and staff and is determined to help restore the faith of the Cranbrook community during this extremely challenging time.
An announcement will be made in relation to the acting Head of Junior School shortly.
The School will work tirelessly to ensure our Cranbrook staff are fully equipped to provide our students with all the support they require and ensure that there is minimal disruption to our academic, sporting, cultural and co-curricular programs during this period.
The School Council will engage further with the School community in regard to the administration of the School in the days and weeks ahead. The School Council understands these events are unsettling and wants to ensure the School community has an opportunity to provide feedback and raise concerns or queries directly with the School Council. To facilitate this, the School community is encouraged to do so via councilsecretary@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
The School Council deeply regrets the distress to our students, our staff, our parents, our alumni and the broader Cranbrook family arising from the current circumstances.
The School Council is committed to the best interests of our students, staff and School in all of its decision making.
Yours sincerely
Geoff Lovell
President, Cranbrook School Council
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