A Sydney non-public faculty has copped fiery backlash over feedback made by its headmaster which appeared to reward the character of Lilie James’ suspected assassin.
Lilie James, 21, was allegedly overwhelmed to loss of life with a hammer in a toilet at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, the place she labored as a water polo coach, on October 25.
Police suspect she was killed by her colleague Paul Thijssen, 24, who reported her loss of life to police earlier than his personal physique was discovered two days later in waters off Vaucluse in Sydney’s east.
The headmaster of one other Sydney non-public faculty, Shore, has been the goal of concern on Saturday morning after it was revealed he used the college’s publication to touch upon the homicide.
Shore headmaster John Collier mentioned he received to know Mr Thijssen personally throughout his time as headmaster at St Andrews, whereas Mr Thijssen was a scholar.
“He was not a monster; somewhat, within the final 5 hours of his life, he dedicated a monstrous act which was in full contradiction to what everybody who knew him noticed in the remainder of this quick life,” Dr Collier mentioned within the letter, first revealed partially by the ABC.
For the reason that ABC article was revealed, individuals have flooded to social media to specific their disgust at Dr Collier’s feedback.
“Shore College headmaster offers masterclass on tips on how to use blind privilege to excuse poisonous masculinity,” one particular person wrote on X (previously generally known as Twitter).
“Dr Collier has demonstrated that he can not see a world past his privileged, elite, spiritual, single intercourse faculty in its elite North Shore enclave,” one other social media consumer mentioned.
“The general public excuses for an entitled assassin who couldn’t take rejection is appalling,” a 3rd mentioned.
“Such a galling lack of perception from this principal.”
Shore College issued a press release on Saturday in response to the general public backlash, explaining it was “by no means our intention to create any further misery” for these affected by the tragedy.
“The opinions expressed on this weekly article are deeply private and replicate the ideas of a Headmaster who knew the alleged perpetrator and who, like many others, is struggling to make sense of the seemingly mindless,” a Shore spokesperson mentioned.
The spokesperson went on to say that the publication was an try to contemplate what response is required from an all boys faculty that “seeks to construct good males” and the way they will ship character growth packages.
“As has at all times been the case, Dr. Collier’s deepest condolences go to the household and mates of the sufferer and people who knew her,” the spokesperson mentioned.
“We’re dedicated to making sure that our content material is at all times respectful and compassionate, significantly relating to such a horrible occasion.”
It’s not the primary time Shore College has been on the centre of controversy.
In 2020, a doc was leaked detailing the stunning “muck-up day” scavenger hunt deliberate by 12 months 12 college students which included assault and drug taking.