Nine teachers fired at troubled Hong Kong Canadian International School
Those dismissed in the wake of governance row included the wives of former school chiefs who either resigned or were fired late last year
Nine teachers were abruptly dismissed by the Canadian International School at the end of term yesterday, including three wives of former school chiefs who were either fired or resigned.
Sources at the school confirmed the dismissed teachers included Ellen Manson, wife of recently fired primary section principal Dylan Hughes, Shelley McMaster, wife of former headmaster Dave McMaster, and Joanne Jalsevac, wife of former upper school principal John Jalsevac. The husbands of all three left in acrimonious circumstances late last year.
Patricia Bilden, a parent and school governor for six years until 2011, said: "I've never seen this happen before. This is unthinkable that this is happening, from a parent's perspective and a governor's perspective."
Melanie Hnetka, a school spokeswoman, confirmed the nine "staff changes" yesterday afternoon. "The school will be fully staffed with qualified teachers when classes resume in August. In accordance with our [human resources] policy, the school will not comment on individual personnel matters."
READ MORE: Hong Kong Canadian International School faces exodus of pupils after sacking nine teachers
When asked by the Post to explain why the teachers were dismissed, she declined to comment. She also said head teacher Dr Gregg Maloberti was not available for interview.