Community
24 December, 2025
School staffer backed
MISSION Beach State School parents and the community have publicly shown their support for a much-loved staff member who has had her work role changed and hours cut.
Parents say a row erupted when the “heart and soul of the school” – its administration officer Sheryl Shaw – had her job advertised without being consulted and was then told she would have to apply for another role.
In role for 25 years
Mrs Shaw had been in the admininstration role full-time for 25 years.
A support campaign for her was started on social media, large banners and posters were put up near the school and many parents have written letters and emails of complaint to the Education Department and the minister, also asking to reinstate her full-time hours.
A parent, who preferred not to be identified, told The Observer Mrs Shaw has taken stress leave.
The parent said Mrs Shaw’s hours were partly funded by the Education Department, with the balance paid by the school.
But not long before the end of the school year, she “was called to a meeting with the principal and the business manager and was told that the school would no longer cover her extra hours so she would be reduced to 24 hours per week,” the parent said.
“She was also told she was no longer required in an admin role and would be moving to a financial role.
“This is an area that Sheryl has no prior training or experience in.
“It would also involve her working directly with the business manager, who had pushed her out of her admin role.
No negotiation
“There was no discussion or negotiation, Sheryl was simply told what would be happening. She was given no option to remain in her current position, even at reduced hours.”
A Facebook post, which was later taken down, drew an avalanche of community support for Mrs Shaw.
Angie Wood posted: “Sheryl is absolutely the back bone of the school and has been for years.
‘Kids love her’
“The kids love her, the parents love her. You won’t find better than Sheryl.”
“This is sad to read ... Sheryl would have to be one of the most kindest, caring people I know and we will be forever grateful for having her by our kids’ side throughout their school years,” said Raeleen Ware.
“Our daughter starts prep next year and she even knows that when we go to the office we are going to see Mrs Sheryl Shaw.”
“She is the face, heart and soul of that school. She is the first face you see and is like a nanny to every kid there and most teachers and parents. She makes you feel safe and always helps you out,” another mum commented.
A Department of Education spokeswoman said the department was “aware of concerns raised regarding staffing matters at Mission Beach State School”.
“The department has a responsibility to maintain confidentiality of employee information and therefore does not comment on individual employee matters.
“Formal correspondence will be sent to those who have raised official inquiries.
“Mission Beach State School continues to have a strong school leadership team in place and will continue to communicate with staff and their school community should there be any ongoing concerns,” the spokeswoman said.
Community to rally
Parents say they will maintain the fight to reinstate Mrs Shaw’s role and hours over the school holidays.
On the last day of the school year, parents and kids, some wearing hand-made T-shirts reading messages like ‘Team Sheryl’ and ‘Come back Sheryl’, posed for a group photo outside the school.
“We shall see how the department attempts to dodge this bullet. They’re thinking the issue might disappear over the Christmas break?,” David Teitzel posted.
Lauren Haimes: “To hear she’s been treated so unfairly is an absolute disgrace.
“The leadership at Mission Beach State School should be ashamed.
“When you start losing the people who ARE the heart and soul of the school ... what’s left?”
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