The principal of Bishop Viard College, Porirua, Teresa Cargo is requesting a substantial period of leave.
Confirmation of Ms Cargo’s request came Sunday from the chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees, Allan Holden.
Mr Holden described the request as “not unwelcome”.
“All I’m saying is that she’s requested leave and that we are looking at leadership arrangements for next term,” Holden told the DomPost.
He said Ms Cargo had not been suspended by the board.
Mr Holden said Ms Cargo’s request for extended leave was not directly linked to the alleged incident of bullying.
“It’s not a one-dimensional thing,” he said.
Mr Holden is critical of media reports surrounding the alleged bullying.
Acknowledging there was a culture problem in the school, he said the Board is working to address the issue.
On March 14 Joseph Nawl ended up in Wellington Hospital with a suspected broken neck.
Despite media painting the picture as bullying, Ms Cargo, a former PE teacher, said Joseph Nawl’s injuries were as the result of an over-aggressive tackle while playing bullrush.
She said the two boys involved were good friends and team mates and the school had now banned bullrush.
The DomPost, 14 March, reported that the serious nature of the event meant Police were looking into the incident, however, yesterday, Police Communications in Porirua would not confirm to CathNews whether charges had been laid.
“I’ve no idea what is going on”, the Police spokesperson said.
Ms Cargo came to Bishop Viard College after being deputy principal at the decile 7 Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton.
Eighteen months into the new job she described the experience as “exciting” and a “steep learning curve”.
During her 30 years at Sacred Heart Ms Cargo taught religious education, science, physical education and health.
Announcing her appointment, then Board of Trustees chairwoman, Marian Blackford told the Kapi-Mana News that the appointment process attracted applicants of the highest quality.
“After a thorough appointment process, it is clear that Teresa’s skills and experience met the current needs of our community”, she said.