And the troubled school’s appointed commissioner is keeping tight-lipped as to why.
However, Cleave Hay did confirm this week principal Sandra Spekerijse was not working on the school property for the time being.
This development follows an alleged incident at the school late in term three where a senior pupil reportedly had to step in to control an escalating attack by an older pupil on a junior pupil.
Mr Hay has previously confirmed that incident was under investigation. He did confirm this week Mrs Spekerijse was now "working offsite", but would not say why.
Mr Hay also declined to confirm whether the principal’s absence was connected to the alleged attack late last term, or when she would return to the school.
However, she had not been stood down, he said.
Mr Hay had previously confirmed to the Oamaru Mail the alleged playground incident was being investigated but he has not revealed further details of a "review".
The school has been under statutory management since March.
Mr Hay was appointed commissioner in June following three months as the school’s limited statutory manager.
Totara School’s roll has continued to plummet in that period, as its community apparently votes with its feet.
The Oamaru Mail understands that, as of this week, at least two more pupils had departed since the start of term four and the school roll is now less than half the 72 pupils it was funded for in the current year.
On October 5, Mr Hay confirmed the roll was 35.
"I believe there have been no further losses than that reported at the end of last term," he said yesterday.
