An independent report into De La Salle College in west Belfast has shed some light on how relationships at a once highly regarded school deteriorated to the point where worried parents staged protests at the gates over concerns about their children's education.
There is no doubt the scenes witnessed outside this school over recent months were quite extraordinary and came against a backdrop of negative headlines relating to reports of industrial disputes, teacher absences and conflicts and differences involving the principal, staff and board of governors.
Yet this was a school that a 2011 inspection report found to be `very good' while some areas such as leadership as well as student care and support were said to be outstanding.
However, within a relatively short period of time the atmosphere became so bad that at one stage a number of teachers stood at the door of classrooms for up to 30 minutes while there was an increase in the level of staff absence leading to the frequent disruption of normal classes.
Pupils and their parents were understandably concerned at how the wider issues taking place within the school were affecting the standard of education being delivered.
The panel set up to examine the situation at De La Salle said it was ``totally unacceptable'' that relationship breakdowns at governance or teacher levels should impact on students.
Their report, published yesterday, said there was no single cause of the problems at the school but a combination of issues contributed to the overall picture.
In particular, there has to be deep concern at the claims of bullying, low morale and a lack of trust among teachers.
While there has been a considerable focus on the school and its staff there are also questions for the managing authorities relating to the re-appointment of the board of governors, which was poorly handled, as well as the fact that there was little support for new principals and prolonged periods when key leadership roles were filled on a temporary basis.
The panel has drawn up 40 recommendations aimed at providing stable leadership at De La Salle and getting this school back on track.
This has been a difficult, challenging and disturbing period for a school with more than 1,000 pupils.
Those children must be at the heart of the school with teachers and management firmly committed to ensuring they get the best possible education, guidance and support at all times.
Pupils, parents and staff will soon begin a new school year. Hopefully this report and the proposed changes will provide an opportunity for a fresh start at De La Salle, a chance to move forward and heal the divisions of the past few years.
