SUPPORTERS of Calare Public School are calling on the Orange community to rally behind the school in spite of the scandal that resulted after principal Chris Cundy called students “morons” and “village idiots” in a staff newsletter.
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Mr Cundy’s comments were made in reference to participants in an upcoming mental health and social skills workshop.
Bev Alexander-Fisher, who volunteers at the school and has a granddaughter enrolled there, said the school had a very good reputation and it was sad to think it was being tarnished by “an unfortunate incident”.
“The variety of programs and curriculum offered and the support given by the team of dedicated teachers to all students deserves to be recognised and acknowledged,” she said.
“From my perspective, I have watched my grandchild, who began in infants section and is now in primary, grow in her depth of knowledge, maturity and responsibility under the guidance of the teachers and ancillary staff.”
Ms Alexander-Fisher said her granddaughter had flourished at the school and learnt the importance of being respectful to other people,
“I think the school has been a good base for my grandchild and I’d like to encourage other people to come out and show their support for the school,” she said.
“Keep up the good work teachers, you are much valued.”
Joey Pryor said while she was unhappy about Mr Cundy’s conduct she was very supportive of the school.
“My son’s teachers are incredible and have supported him in so many ways,” she said.
On the Central Western Daily’s Facebook page Sarah-Jane Rogers said while Mr Cundy’s sense of humour in this instance was clearly not funny, he had simply made an error of judgment, and in the past he’d “gone up and beyond to help my children”.
Also on Facebook Sue Betts, whose son has autism, said she’d only heard good things about Mr Cundy, including that he was “a good principal, a kind and a caring man".
"While I don't agree with his words in the newsletter, I believe that it was an in-house document. I also believe it was leaked by someone who wanted to bring him down, it happens all the time, in schools, in politics and in everyday life.
"I am sure Mr Cundy is feeling very sad, depressed and very remorseful at the moment, and I don't think he would ever make the same mistake again. Surely he deserves another chance.”