The merits of this extraordinary move are not able to be judged, but what is certain is that the name of the school will be suppressed and the parents and public kept in the dark. We deserve better than this. The public is entitled to expect open accountability for all expenditure and all programs, especially those relating to expulsion, student welfare and child protection. There is no reason why all schools receiving public money should not meet the same reporting requirements as public schools. The Federal Government, as the major source of funds for private schools, must bear the responsibility for the dangerous delay in instituting these reforms.
Many schools market themselves on the strength of their traditions.
Unfortunately for students, these traditions are copied from those of schools designed to train the English aristocracy of centuries ago. They are outdated, they disregard democracy, they promote dominance and hierarchy, and they tolerate systematic bullying and harassment. Public school parents beg to differ. Abuse of power affects everyone. A minority never recover their confidence.