WorkSafe is making inquiries into concerns around staff wellbeing at a prestigious high school after the headmaster and deputy principal vanished.
Dale Burden and Yevette Williams - a married couple - have not been at St Peter's School since the most recent holiday in April.
The school had remained tight-lipped on the pair's absence until Wednesday night when Stuff reports John Erkkila, chairman of the St Peter's Trust Board, sent a statement to parents and caregivers.
"WorkSafe has been notified of concerns about the wellbeing of some St Peter's staff and is making inquiries," he is quoted as saying by Stuff.
"Following a board representative meeting with WorkSafe, the board subsequently and immediately began an independent investigation which is ongoing. The school continues to work with WorkSafe."
He assured parents the wellbeing of "the school community" is of utmost importance.
According to Stuff, Erikkla said students have been told to be "careful" about what they say to people.
"it is human nature to wonder and speculate when there are question marks over a situation. But it's also important that we are mindful of what we say and that we are respectful of people's privacy."
WorkSafe confirmed it is making inquiries over staff wellbeing but has not yet launched a formal investigation.
A spokesperson for the Teacher's Council of Aotearoa said the Council was not aware of any complaints about Burden or Williams.
Burden became the principal of St Peter's in 2016 after a decade as headmaster at Mount Albert Grammar School - where he, at times, caused controversy.
In 2013 Burden began random drug testing of students caught smoking marijuana, and also made headlines for a bizarre email he sent to parents about student body odour.
Newshub has contacted St Peter's School for comment.
