Cranbrook co-ed push heats up as Atlassian co-founder’s wife locked in war of words with parents

The wife of tech-billionaire Scott Farquhar is locked in a war of words with parents over a push to turn a prestigious school co-ed.

Kim Jackson has joined a small group of parents fighting to usher in the change at Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hills in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The school has been around for 104 years and counts high-profile public figures among its alumni including Kerry and James Packer, David Gyngell, Nick Tobias and Atlassian’s Mike Cannon-Brookes.

Kim Jackson has joined a small group of parents fighting to usher in the change at Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hills, Sydney’s eastern suburbs

A proposal to enrol 70 senior girls in Years 11 and 12 from 2023 was put forward to the Cranbrook school community during several town hall briefings last week.

The proposal has the backing of school principal Nicholas Sampson and Mr Farquhar. 

Some concerned parents have flatly rejected it while Ms Jackson has stirred the pot by taking the discussion to a Year Six Whatsapp group chat, Daily Telegraph reported. 

‘Hi All. Reminder – Tonight is the Cranbrook community forum about co-education,’ she wrote last Monday.

‘From our informal polling, the vast majority of parents are in favour of co-ed and assume tonight’s consultation is about the ‘how’.

‘However, from our dealings with the school board, the session tonight is actually ‘whether’ co-ed should happen at all.

‘So if you are in strong support of co-ed, your attendance tonight (in person or virtual) is needed to ensure it happens.’

Her message drew an icy response from one parent who was firmly opposed to any change.

The school has been around for 104 years and counts high-profile public figures among its alumni including James Packer, David Gyngell, Nick Tobias and Atlassian’s Mike Cannon-Brookes

‘Hi all. Unfortunately there are many families who are strongly opposed to this proposal and feel betrayed by it,’ they wrote.

‘Your voice also deserves to be heard. Please make sure you attend and let your voice be heard.

‘The decision to go co-ed is not finalised and you are welcome to stand against it.’

‘This platform is not to be used any further to lobby for or against the proposal.’ 

Mr Farquhar and Ms Jackson have shown they are prepared to sponsor scholarships for girl students who are interested in attending the prestigious school.