Kelliher resigned in April after 100 teachers held a vote of no confidence in her ability to effectively lead the school.
In a statement yesterday, Debra Kelliher said she would argue the statements are “completely at odds with the evidence that exists regarding the school’s academic record and my performance as principal.”
Kelliher claims the alleged defamation has meant she is now “unemployable as a principal”, she cannot get interviews for a comparable position and this has cost her up to $2m.
However, Kambala has denied all claims against it and the teachers on their behalf.
In a statement of defence, the school said the emails were not capable of being defamatory, however, if they were then “Kelliher's reputation was already sullied because she had so seriously lost the confidence of Kambala staff and parents”.
It says Kelliher “had a reputation” among staff and parents for “unethical, unprofessional conduct”, mismanaging the school and creating a “culture of fear”.
The case will be mentioned in the NSW Supreme Court tomorrow.
Related stories:
Principal hit with no-confidence vote ahead of departure
Private school returns fire in gay teacher stoush