The principal of a WA public school who was stood down for urging parents to keep students at home against Education Department advice has been reinstated.
Bronwyn White, principal of Halls Head College near Mandurah, was reprimanded after sending a letter to parents asking only children of essential workers, or those unable to stay home, attend the first week of term two.
The letter was at odds with the WA Government, which fiercely defended its decision to reopen schools for all children.
It came after a public fight between the Government and the State School Teachers Union of WA, which posted full-page newspaper adverts asking for parents to keep children home.
"Obviously, we will do our best to accommodate every learner who attends face to face," Ms White's letter said.
"However, we cannot adequately apply physical distancing and safety requirements if we have the entire College community recommencing Week 1.
"We simply do not have the physical space required with 1,450 students."
Retraction sent day before school started
Ms White sent a retraction four days later in an effort to clear up any confusion.
The retraction came one day before the start of term.
"I apologise for any confusion created by the letter sent out last Friday," Ms White wrote.
"I need to retract the letter sent last week that was not in line with Departmental expectations.
"I am writing to confirm that school is open for all students to attend.
"The expectation is that school will be running as per normal. All classes will run face to face with a normal timetable operating and both at home and online learning will also be accommodated."
She was stood down from her role on April 30, with Alen Kursar named as her replacement.
Principal reminded of 'limits of authority'
This afternoon the Education Department confirmed Ms White would return to her role as principal from tomorrow.
"A performance issue was identified which prompted the department to ask Bronwyn White to explain the letter she sent to her school community on April 24," workforce executive director Damien Stewart said.
"Ms White has provided her response and has been reminded of the limits of her authority and obligations as an employee of the Department of Education.
"She will be returning to her role as principal at Halls Head College tomorrow."
Public schools in WA returned on April 28 with attendance rates of 58.5 per cent, but since then attendance has climbed to 73.5 per cent.
