Parents have criticised Ormiston College in Redland City after the school sent a behaviour management letter about bullying only to the families of Year 7 girls.
Letter Sparks Frustration Among Parents
On 5 September 2025, Ormiston College issued a letter to the parents of Year 7 girls addressing social behaviours, including gossip, rumours, online chat groups, exclusion, and non-verbal actions.
The letter did not go to the parents of Year 7 boys, which prompted some families to question why the correspondence singled out girls. Others said they felt excluded from information that concerned the wider student group.
College Outlines Well-being Response
The college said the communication was part of a proactive well-being program and not linked to a specific bullying incident. Principal Michael Hornby explained that staff had observed Year 7 girls seeking guidance on managing social pressures and friendship changes.
Ormiston College highlighted its wellbeing framework, which includes daily pastoral care, two hours of weekly wellbeing lessons, respectful relationships programs, anti-bullying activities, and the “Stymie” anonymous reporting tool. The school’s Anti-Bullying Policy is reviewed annually against the National Safe Schools Framework.
Expert Emphasises Inclusive Approaches
Child psychologist Professor Marilyn Campbell, a member of Queensland’s Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group, said student involvement in approaches to bullying is important, as young people are more likely to respond when they feel included in the process.
Parents and Students Voice Concerns
Some parents described the letter as a reactive step rather than a proactive one and questioned why the concerns were directed only at girls. A number of Year 7 students also reported feeling anxious after attending a group meeting about the issue, unsure if they had done something wrong.
The college said the intention was to support students through a natural stage of social development while reinforcing values of respect and support within the school community.
Ormiston College’s Broader Reputation
Ormiston College is an independent, co-educational, non-denominational Christian school in Redland City. It consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for NAPLAN and graduate outcomes.
The school has been recognised for its innovation in education, named one of Australia’s most innovative schools for ten consecutive years by The Educator. It is also acknowledged internationally as a Microsoft Worldwide Showcase School. In 2022, Ormiston College won the Australian Education Award for Best Use of Technology.
College Maintains Well-being Focus
Although some families remain frustrated, Ormiston College has stood by its approach, stating the letter and related actions were part of its wider wellbeing strategy. The school maintains its focus on combining academic success with the emotional welfare of students in a supportive environment.
Published 18-Sep-2025
Photo Credit: Ormiston College/Facebook
