A Crieff High pupil who shared allegations of sexual assault, homophobia and racism was left “sobbing” after a meeting with the school’s headteacher.
Anna De Garis shared the results of a survey she had conducted among pupils, showing how three-quarters of the roughly 90 people who responded had witnessed such bullying.
Claiming the issue was “rife” at the school, Anna published the results alongside an open letter calling for change at the school.
But in a meeting with the school’s headteacher, John Donnelly, to discuss her concerns, Anna was left “terrified” she was the one facing disciplinary action.
Her mum, Kristie, who attended alongside Anna’s dad, told The Courier the headteacher became so worked up during the meeting he had to leave the room before returning and asking the family to leave.
Kristie and Anna said the head was unwilling to discuss the concerns Anna had raised in her letter, which included incidents where students reported inappropriate touching and racist language.
After they left the meeting, Anna thought she would be disciplined by the school for raising the concerns.
She told The Courier: “As soon as the meeting started it seemed as though it wasn’t going to go well at all.
“My headteacher seemed angry and there was no attempt to talk about my letter or the issues that I and other pupils have been facing.”
My headteacher seemed angry and there was no attempt to talk about my letter.”
Anna De Garis
Anna said the meeting went so badly the family had to insist the headteacher took a break.
“When we returned there was still no interest or willing acknowledgement that the issues I and others have been facing are obscene.
“The headteacher terminated the meeting and we were asked to leave his office. I was shaking and in tears by this point and genuinely felt like I was in trouble and going to be expelled,” she added.
The 16-year-old explained she had never intended to “trash” the school, but simply wanted to see changes made after four years of “inaction”.
She said: “Calling for change does not mean that I am saying the school has never done anything good.
“I hope that I can move forward positively alongside my school and my peers and that together we can make real, meaningful and positive changes.”
Anna’s mum Kristie said the family was hopeful the school would engage in mediation to help resolve the complaint.
Asked about the meeting, a spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said an investigation into Anna’s concerns was ongoing.
They said: “An investigation is under way and so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.
“However, Perth & Kinross Council takes all allegations of harassment, discrimination and bullying extremely seriously and will always work to support pupils who raise concerns about these issues with us.
“We would always encourage children, young people and their parents or carers to report any incidents of bullying.”
