To the Department of Education and relevant decision-making authorities,

We, the undersigned parents, caregivers, and community members, express our deep concern, frustration, and disappointment regarding the recent appointment process for the Principal of Leneva Interim Name Primary School. We believe the process has been fundamentally unfair and lacks the transparency expected in such a significant decision—particularly in its treatment of Donna Wright.

Ms. Wright has served as the Principal of Bandiana Primary School since 2006, growing it from just 86 students to 274 and transforming it into a high-performing and highly sought-after school. Her exceptional leadership has been recognized both nationally and internationally. She was named National Principal of the Year in 2020 and invited to speak at UNESCO events in Paris and Thailand in 2025. She is also being featured in an upcoming publication for her educational contributions.

But beyond her accolades, Ms. Wright is the heart of our school community. She leads with warmth, vision, and care. She welcomes students and families with genuine connection, takes the time to engage with parents during school hours, and works tirelessly to help every child thrive.

At Bandiana Primary, the motto “Ever My Best” is more than words—it’s a lived value that fosters personal excellence, creativity, confidence, teamwork, and strong parent-school partnerships.

When our families chose Bandiana, we did so because it felt like home. The welcoming environment, high standards, and strong leadership made the decision easy.

Despite this, Donna Wright has been unfairly overlooked for the new principalship through a process that has lacked clarity, community input, and integrity. Since the announcement of the school's relocation, communication from the Department has been poor, and families and staff have felt excluded and unheard. We were initially led to believe that our current leadership would continue with us into the new school, only to be blindsided by a decision made behind closed doors.

We believe that:

The selection process must be transparent and fair;

The voices of our school community must be heard;

Proven leadership should be recognised and supported;

Our children’s educational well-being must remain the top priority.

We respectfully request the following:

1. A review of the recent Principal appointment decision;

2. The formation of a fair, impartial, and transparent selection panel;

3. An open meeting between Department representatives, Bandiana staff, and parents to discuss the impact of this decision. 

4. A reform of the Regional Advisory Group, to allow community members and Bandiana representatives opportunity to collaborate and make decisions with transparency and community engagement.

 

Our school has thrived under strong leadership and a shared community vision. The current situation has caused unnecessary distress and risks undermining everything our school has worked so hard to build.

We call on you to act now—to restore fairness, rebuild trust, and ensure the best outcome for our children and school community.

Sincerely,
On behalf of concerned parents and community members