Melbourne Girls' College principal Judy Crowe. Source: Herald Sun
UPDATE: THE principal of a top state school has launched a scathing attack on extravagant spending at Melbourne's elite private schools.
Melbourne Girls' College head Judy Crowe took aim in the wake of the "unedifying saga" that unfolded at neighbouring school MLC over her peer Rosa Storelli's recent sacking.
In a note to parents, Ms Crowe said events at the nearby private college had "brought into sharp relief staggering differences between our schools".
"It is hard to pinpoint where our education system has gone so wrong in Australia, and especially in Melbourne," the principal of 20 years' experience wrote.
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"I feel sad when I interact with families who feel obliged to pay huge school fees as they have been 'sold' the story that such schools as our neighbour will provide so much more for their children.
"What I see is great extravagance in such institutions, so much spent on marketing, communications, bonuses and grounds of such perfection that they vie with Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens.
"The difference between the schools is in the 'trappings' not the core educational components."
Fees at Ms Crowe's Richmond college are just $430 a year compared with the annual bills of up to $23,000 faced by parents who send children to MLC.
The respected principal said she hoped scrutiny surrounding the MLC "circus" would prompt Victorian parents to re-think whether it was necessary to send children to private schools.
Her note in a recent school newsletter called on politicians to take action to claw back the millions of dollars of taxpayer funds given to "such wealthy and extravagant schools".
She also wants church groups to reconsider how such schools fit in with their beliefs on social justice and equity.
Pressure on parents in Melbourne is incredible. The angst for families about the choice of schools is over the top
Ms Crowe said her own school provided excellent opportunities thanks to committed staff and parents.
Contacted by the Herald Sun yesterday, Ms Crowe said her message was "something that needs to be said".
Private schools spent large sums every year to influence public perceptions that they were better than state schools, Ms Crowe said.
"Government schools are not in a position to market in the same way," she said.
"Private schools have got massive marketing budgets to ensure the public believe that's what you have to do to get the best for your children. It's sad.
"Pressure on parents in Melbourne is incredible. The angst for families about the choice of schools is over the top."
Ms Crowe noted that job ads for private school rowing coaches, for example, usually dwarfed ads for state school principals.
"That give you an idea of the priorities," she said.
"When I see how many groundspeople some of the private schools have, it blows my mind," she said.
"I think this is a debate we have to have as a community."
Australian Education Union's Victorian President Mary Bluett agreed with Ms Crowe.
“Clearly the amount of money spent on students’ education in these schools is a lot less than the fees that are being charged," she told 3AW this morning.
"It does highlight the value that is obtainable across systems in terms of the quality of education outcome.”
A spokesman for MLC last night declined to comment.
MLC is conducting a wide-ranging review of governance at the school, including the use of credit cards, expense accounts, bonuses and annual leave arrangements for senior managers, after Ms Storelli's controversial sacking.
The MLC board had a bitter falling out with the former principal when it asked her to repay more than $700,000 it said she had been overpaid.
A TALE OF TWO SCHOOLS
MELBOURNE GIRLS’ COLLEGE, RICHMOND (PUBLIC)
Established: 1994
Slogan: Lead and Achieve
Students: 1254
Teachers: 82
Annual fees: $430
Year 9 NAPLAN reading score: 627
Medals at 2012 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta: 11
Students who went on to university in 2010: 65%
MLC, KEW (PRIVATE)
Established: 1882
Slogan: For God and For Home
Students: 2123
Teachers: 279
Annual fees: Up to $23,490
Year 9 NAPLAN reading score: 633
Medals at 2012 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta: 12
Students who went on to university in 2010: 79%
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