New PMSA chair revealed as BBC old boy Peter Barker

April 29, 2021 12:47 pm

Kylie Lang | The Courier-Mail

Brisbane Boys’ College old boy Peter Barker has been announced as new chair of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools’Associationfollowing the resignation of Morgan Parker after only 13 months in the top job.

Mr Barker is chief financial officer of infrastructure company Cardno and has more than 30 years’ experience with multinational corporations.

Vice-captain of BBC in 1985, he said the PMSA had undergone “comprehensive reform and professionalisation” under Mr Parker and its focus was on “enhancing the experience of students at our four outstanding schools”.

New PMSA Chair Peter Barker.

The PMSA runs BBC, Somerville House, Clayfield College and Sunshine Coast Grammar School but has faced ongoing criticism over its governance and handling of numerous crises.

Mr Parker, in confirming to The Courier-Mail on Wednesday his departure as chair, described the overhaul of the church body as a “Herculean task”.

The real estate tycoon, who has been appointed chair of SunCentral and sits on four other boards, likened the PMSA to “a vintage car that needs to be taken apart and rebuilt”.

“You can really work to fix parts of an organisation, but until all parts understand each other and are functioning at best practice, you’re always going to have crises before you,” he said.

This year the PMSA has been accused of “unfairly pushing” BBC principal Paul Brown to resign, conducting a farcical recruitment process for his replacement, and treating school staff in a “reprehensible” way, resulting in a mass staff exodus.

Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) schools.

Board member Bridget Cullen resigned after The Courier-Mail exposed a facebook page she had set up in which she allegedly stereotyped poor people.

Last year the expulsions of four BBC boys embroiled in an alleged gang bashing incident were overturned after their parents took Mr Brown and the school to court in a $750,000 negligence claim. The PMSA investigated, and the case has since settled.

Meanwhile, Somerville House has been without a functioning P&F association since November amid allegations of a million-dollar cash freeze of its funds by principal Kim Kiepe.

In 2017 the PMSA was dogged by an integrity crisis involving an alleged data breach and texts between the then PMSA chair, Robert McCall, and then executive manager, Rick Hiley, in which they arranged a meeting in a nude Korean-style bathhouse. The PMSA investigated and cleared them of wrongdoing.

Former PMSA chair Morgan Parker at BBC. Pic Mark Cranitch.

That same year popular Somerville House principal Flo Kearney and several staff exited the school, and the once-vocal BeyondPMSA breakaway group called for a shake-up in the governance structure at all four schools.

In a statement released on Thursday by the PMSA, Mr Parker said of Mr Barker’s appointment: “I believe a critical component of an effective board is its ability to renew itself and this is what this transition achieves.

“I have given my heart and soul to this volunteer role over the past three years and it has been an enormously rewarding period,” said the former BBC school captain who joined the PMSA board in 2018.

“Having served in this role, I am convinced, more than ever, in the bright future of the PMSA and our schools.

“Our focus has been ensuring the sustainability of our schools over the next 100 years and they will reap the benefits of the changes we have made.”

The PMSA said Mr Parker had “overseen more than 50 changes to the governance model that has led to greater autonomy forschools, improved compliance, transparency and commercial management across the PMSA group”.

“Key reforms during his leadership include the revitalisation of governance officers leading to greater diversity and community representation; creation of a child protection and safeguarding committee; development of an industry benchmark HRIS and enterprise agreement improving efficiencies and the PMSA’s ability to attract and retain quality staff; and leveraging of the group’s scale to save $1 million annually through joint procurement efforts.

“Mr Parker was also instrumental in developing the PMSA’s new strategic plan, which challenges the organisation to think beyond the day-to-day operations of the school and contemplate our greater purpose in developing Australia’s next generation.”

In other changes, educator Margaret Berry will take on the deputy chair role replacing Wayne Knapp, who will remain on the board.

Mr Parker will remain as chair until the AGM in mid-June.


RETRIEVED https://apple.news/ATQNL1OHmSEK531jRK0UpWg

High-powered lawyer and self-confessed ‘bad-ass middle-aged mother’ quits board for elite Christian schools after creating Facebook group to find her stolen $41,000 BMW

  • A Brisbane woman started a Facebook page after her BMW was allegedly stolen
  • Bridget’s BMW Rescue Journey page was started by lawyer Dr Dr Bridget Cullen
  • Facebook page followed fictional meth-addicted teen who allegedly stole car
  • Posts were slammed as ‘wildly inappropriate’ but Dr Cullen hit back at criticism
  • She has now stepped down as a board member of elite Christian school board

A lawyer accused of ‘stereotyping poor people’ on a Facebook page she set-up after her luxury car was stolen has stepped down from the board of an elite Christian school group.  

Dr Bridget Cullen created the tongue-in-cheek page after her black 2017 BMW 5 series sports car was stolen from her Indooroopilly, west Brisbane, home in December last year.

The high-flying lawyer jokingly pretended to be the alleged offender on a page called Bridget’s BMW Rescue Journey.

But the attempted humour was not well received by parents and other members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools’ Association.

The governing body oversees the prestigious Brisbane Boys’ College, Somerville House, Clayfield College and Sunshine Coast Grammar schools. 

A self-described ‘bad-ass middle-aged mother’. Dr Cullen announced her departure on Tuesday night following a social media backlash.

Dr Bridget Cullen (pictured) said she started a Facebook page to assist police with their investigations after her luxury car was alleged stolen
Dr Cullen’s black 2017 BMW 5 series sports car was allegedly stolen from her home in Indooroopilly, west Brisbane in December last year. The vehicle has since been recovered

The public page, which has since been deleted, followed a fictional meth-addicted teenager whose mother is a prostitute living in government housing in Redbank. 

The series of satirical posts followed the teenager as he drove the vehicle around the local area and continued to break the law, including stealing mobile phones. 

‘Driving the beast all over town, buying up big on pseudoephedrine for big cook-up tonight,’ one post read.

According to the posts, the fictional teen had spent time at the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre, used fake IDs and referred to people who live in ‘Indro’ as ‘c**ts’.

The teen would also go on ‘benders’ and revealed how when they visited their grandmother for her birthday they yelled ‘What the f**k are you trying to do?’. 

Almost 600 followers joined the page, reportedly including Liberal National Party candidate for the Brisbane seat of McConnel in the 2020 state election, Pinky Singh.

Criminal lawyer Tam Elabbasi was also reportedly a ‘top fan’ of the page and allegedly wrote on the Facebook page on January 26 ‘I’m negotiating your movie deal! Easy money lol!’.

A series of posts on the Bridget’s BMW Rescue Journey Facebook page which Dr Cullen set-up in response to her vehicle allegedly being stolen

A senior source within the schools told the Courier-Mail the posts were ‘wildly inappropriate, and stereotyped poor people in disadvantaged areas’. 

Another said they were shocked by the ‘horrific language’ used. 

Dr Cullen had been frustrated police were unable to use tracking technology to locate the vehicle because of privacy laws. 

She said she created the page ‘to harness the power of social media to assist police in their investigation’.  

Queensland Police eventually recovered the vehicle and Dr Cullen said she was grateful for their work and for those who provided information in response to her posts.

A senior source within the schools said the posts were ‘wildly inappropriate, and stereotyped poor people in disadvantaged areas’. Pictured: Clayfield College
Dr Cullen announced her departure on Tuesday night following a social media backlash. Pictured: Somerville House
The Facebook page had close to 600 followers but has since been pulled down after a backlash

Any attempt to suggest that my posts were more than this would be driven by an agenda that does not respect my status as a recent victim of crime,’ she said on Monday evening.

‘I am committed to social justice, for all persons in our society. It is often the case when a woman is in a leadership position that some people will look for an easy way to cut them down.’

The governing body’s code of conduct states that members must ‘treat every individual with courtesy and respect’ and ‘use social media appropriately and responsibly’. 

PMSA chair Morgan Parker acknowledged Dr Cullen had ‘worked tirelessly during the transformative journey of the PMSA and she has made it clear that she has no interest in becoming a distraction to this significant body of work’.

‘We would like to reassure our community we are committed to the highest standards of conduct and ethical behaviour that are consistent with our Christian values,’ Mr Parker said.

Her departure comes in the wake of Mark Gray’s shock resignation as Brisbane Boys’ College (pictured) Council Chair in August last year over gripes with management
Dr Cullen was recently appointed to to the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools’ Association which owns Brisbane Boys’ College, Clayfield College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School (pictured)

Read more:

Lawyer quits board of elite Christian schools after tongue-in-cheek Facebook posts about stolen BMW

RETRIEVED https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9216355/Lawyer-quits-board-elite-Christian-schools-tongue-cheek-Facebook-posts-stolen-BMW.html

Joining BBC-GPS-NSW dots

Since 26th Oct 20, there has been a jump in visitors to our RCbbc Blog. Most of these were concerning ‘known CSA predators’, ‘elite’/‘private schools’ and ‘previous charges’/‘current trials’. The inclusion of another ‘Brand™’ of GPS Schools (Catholic) had also been a major trigger to these jumps. While following a similar pattern of how Journalistic-identified programs had unveiled CSA instances, upwards from southern states; RCbbc has ‘back-traced’ these same trails in reverse (BBC-GPS-NSW).

Photographic portion of Sydney Opera House. (bbc cultural article, 2014)

Although identification of these trails were discussed during our early days (2013-15), it is still breathtaking when truths are realised. Unfortunately, those who experienced any of Butch’s (AK Buchanan, BBC, St Paul’s & IGS) classes may remember some of AAGPS Schools being mentioned, in his previous exploits (SHORE, Scots College et al). Much more is awaiting to become evident, so stay tuned.

Current GPS image, denoting IGS (2020)

BBC’s inclusion in the Royal Commission’s eventual National Redress Scheme, is administered via the PMSA (Presbyterian Methodist Schools Association). Each of the other stated Private Schools should be administered by their similar authorities. Relevant details of each of these institutions is contained in the following References, which should provide relevant authorities detail upon request.


Increasing CSA or Identified Criminals?

Recent PMSA Resignation

To our growing CSA Victims, Survivours, Family-Friends & Viewers – it’s becoming clearer even from our small GPS SEQ ‘school families’ that our own backyards may hold memories not worth repeating. Alike the political alternate halves of government, society is subtly influenced by the class ecosystems of its noteworthy educators. ‘Pedagogues’ is another term known by some elites, who continue to believe that their own children won’t be effected.

Giving voice to the voiceless

At this point in time COVID19 is the ‘blind messenger’, where anyone may fall victim when exposed. Quarantines are necessary, yet entire school (Institution) wise is quite unachievable. This is where each state government has formed an updated Act to restrict the earlier ‘playgrounds’ of most Pedophiles-Criminals. Unfortunately some continue to practice, having slipped through the system. Inevitable, yet expected. Our concerns include what will we do with them, how will our minor students continue to achieve the greatest teachings and will there ever be an answer to when this (‘utopian’) idea can be had?

Elite Brisbane school chair’s scathing public take-down

How did the PMSA schools scandal unfold?

Brendan O’Malley, Antonia O’Flaherty

Westside News August 4, 2020 5:29pm


Brisbane Boys’ College suffering under PMSA: outgoing chair

EDUCATION The governing body of four of Queensland’s most elite schools has taken another hit after its chairman sent out a blistering resignation letter. But his claims of wastage and interference have now been denied.

The scandal-plagued governing body of one of Queensland’s most elite colleges has taken another hit after its council chair resigned. His farewell letter is a breathtaking take-down.

Roll up, Roll up to the greatest Show in Town! ⚡️💥

Here’s a repost + posting of some of BBC’s 1990 known CSA ‘Performers’: Bringing a whole new meaning to ‘hands on learning’! More to come. Stay tuned!!!

Perpetrators in hunting ground … ?!

As to the rites of any Student, the following copies were taken of some of BBC’s Predators: (Buchanan (Butch) & Dutton to be added; BBC Portal 1990)

Michael Golding, Music

Murre-Alan, Music

Knight only Public Predator?!

Resulting from Public Information available, there is great reluctance to have some of the Core recommendations of the CARC Final Report actioned (put into effect). From the Final Report’s Preface, the following topic grabbed many Survivours’ attention: ‘Why have some institutions not protected children?‘ Of particular interest is that some of these situations continue”:

I have never really been able to come to terms with was the part society played – or didn’t play, I guess, being the point.
Face Screaming in Fear

All institutions should prevent, identify and mitigate risks. An appropriate response should also be made, whenever CSA occurs. Thankfully, BBC’s PMSA is among the schools that have clearly outlined stages and processes, whenever anything occurs involving current students (Policies & Strategies). Of particular relevance is the PMSA Historical Abuse Redress Policy, which relates to official stages including (Procedure; Report and resolution; and Care strategy).

Blurred logo

A PDF of the latest PMSA Historical Abuse Redress Policyis available from https://www.pmsa-schools.edu.au/library/files/PMSA%20Historical%20Abuse%20Redress%20Policy%281%29.pdf

Under current Qld Laws, CSA Survivours may be limited to not being able to mention the monetary figures of Private Damages Claims, yet they are able to simply help others by letting them know they are not alone!

PMSA Policies

  • CSA SURVIVOURS : (recently posted Policy)
  • PMSA Historical Abuse Redress Policy – This policy outlines the PMSA’s processes for dealing with allegations of abuse relating to individuals who, as children, received education and/or accommodation or care within a PMSA school or early learning centre but who are not students of the school or centre at the time the allegations are made. Such individuals will be described within this policy as former students

Policies

The PMSA is responsible for reviewing, updating and implementing policies which cover the PMSA and our four schools. PMSA policies assist and guide the actions of all individuals involved. They ensure and endorse the well-being of all staff and students of the PMSA. The PMSA also provide assistance to each school so that they can develop their own school policies.

PMSA policies fall under four categories:

Fairness and Equity
 

  • Code of Conduct – The PMSA Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected by all employees, volunteers and contractors engaged by the PMSA. All staff are required to report certain information to the PMSA or their school if they become aware or reasonably suspect that harm is being cased to a student.

Audit and Finance 

The PMSA develops audit and financial policies for the PMSA Board, School Councils, Principals and schools on accounting practices, loans, scholarships, bursaries and staff discounts, depreciation, and other financial areas. These are available to the relevant staff at each PMSA school through the PMSA staff portal.

Human Resources 

The PMSA develops human resources policies for the PMSA Board, School Councils, Principals and schools on areas such as complaints, grievances, recruitment and selection, remuneration and benefits, leave, workplace health and safety, and employee development. These are available to the relevant staff at each PMSA school through the PMSA staff portal.

Education and Pastoral Care

The PMSA’s commitment to child protection is immersed in our vision – ‘to build communities based on Christian foundations, by providing teaching and learning environments of excellence, permeated by Christian faith and actions’.

We believe that the care for the children and young people in our schools is an outward expression and evidence of our Christian faith and our commitment to achieving a vision of collected and committed action, of intolerance to any threat of harm towards children and young people and which actively seeks to prevent the occurrence of any such threat.

The care and protection of the children and young people in PMSA schools is of paramount importance and involves:

  • Working together to make our schools and workplaces places of safety for children and young people. 
  • Not tolerating any threat of harm towards children and actively seeking to prevent the occurrence of any such threat.
  • Reporting any suspicion you have that a child or student has been harmed or may be at risk of harm.
  • Every person who shares in the work of our PMSA communities – including employees, volunteers, contractors and visitors – shares in the responsibility to care for and protect all children and young people from any threat or perceived threat of harm. 

The PMSA has developed the following policies to ensure the care and protection of people within PMSA schools.
 

  • PMSA Blue Card (Working with Children) Policy – This policy outlines the requirements for PMSA Board members, employees and volunteers to hold Blue Cards in accordance with Queensland requirements.
     
  • PMSA Child Protection Policy – This policy outlines the conduct expected of the PMSA schools’ employees and students in accordance with legislation in Queensland about the care and protection of children.
     
  • PMSA Historical Abuse Redress Policy – This policy outlines the PMSA’s processes for dealing with allegations of abuse relating to individuals who, as children, received education and/or accommodation or care within a PMSA school or early learning centre but who are not students of the school or centre at the time the allegations are made. Such individuals will be described within this policy as former students.
     
  • PMSA Homestay Welfare and Accommodation Policy – This policy outlines the processes to ensure that PMSA schools and homestay hosts arranged by and for PMSA schools comply with relevant legislative requirements for ensuring the suitability of accommodation, support and general welfare for homestay students under 18 years of age.
     
  • PMSA Child Protection Risk Management Strategy – 2017 – This strategy identifies the policies and procedures in place across the PMSA and our schools which, together, act to protect students from harm.
     
  • PMSA Homestay Risk Management Strategy – 2017 – This strategy ensures that the PMSA and our schools have appropriate policies and procedures in place to identify and minimise the risk of harm to homestay students where the school has taken responsibility for the accommodation, support and general welfare of the student.

Retrieved: https://www.pmsa-schools.edu.au/what%20we%20do/policies

EREA, Anglican Church Australia & GPS

Following COPIED message has now been distributed amongst Private Schools in SEQ:

An interim response is requested, to repost on our LinkedIn, WordPress, Social Media & ABC/SBS News Networks.
As some of your Schools have been involved in the Royal Commission (CARC) Hearings, this eMail is querying how your Bodies administrate, for the benefit of the Students’ (I.E. Children & Minors) ‘Safety & Security’? Public News publications have been sourced re: some of your places of education.
This query has been sent on behalf of an evolving network of School-Swapping, alike Church-Swapping. Inclusion of these details are for benefit of previous Survivors-Victims of these Institutions (Private Damages Claims & National Redress Scheme).
/ END
CC ABC News, SBS Portals & Prue Montgomery | knowmore Principal Lawyer