When Deputy Principal Simon Szymkow Forgot Fairness

A Child Caught in an Unfair Process

We Australians have not learned from history that history never forgives those who do wrong to others. The Stolen Generations remain a painful reminder of what happens when power becomes abuse of power — when those entrusted to protect instead use their authority to harm. Today, it may not be children being taken from their families, but something just as destructive: false accusations and arbitrary decision-making used against the vulnerable. This is not justice — it is stolen fairness disguised as process.

Celina Kaur Mehroke, a bright Year 8 student at Kingswood High School, 131 Bringelly Rd Kingswood NSW 2747, became a victim of that same pattern. In a system meant to nurture and educate, she instead faced hostility, false accusation, and humiliation.

On 5 August 2025, Deputy Principal Simon Szymkow received a complaint involving Celina. Instead of calmly investigating, he became hostile toward her. Without asking for her version of events — and assuming the complainant’s account was correct — he told Celina she could no longer speak to two students, Tori and Indy. There was no conversation, no curiosity, no fairness. Celina, shocked and confused, began to cry, and Mr. Szymkow left her there — alone, distressed, and unheard.

A Decision Made Before the Facts

The next day, 6 August 2025, he called Celina’s parents. The conversation provided no clarity — no evidence, no explanation, only vague statements that “there had been an incident.” Concerned, her parents wrote to the school on 7 August seeking information, but they never received any evidence or testimony against her.

Then, on 8 August 2025, Celina’s parents opened an email and found something they never expected: a Formal Caution to Suspend signed under the name of Principal Adam Forbes — who was, in fact, on leave at the time. The letter claimed that “the school behaviour/s of concern have been discussed with Celina,” yet no such discussion had taken place. Mr. Szymkow would later insist that he had spoken to Celina both at school and during the phone call with her parents, but there had been no genuine engagement, no opportunity for Celina to explain or defend herself. The Formal Caution to Suspend was issued before any investigation or fact-finding had occurred.

Ignoring the Purpose of the Process

The Department’s own definition of a Formal Caution to Suspend states its purpose is:

“For the student and their parents or carers to understand the impact of the student’s behaviour or behaviours of concern and to engage them in positive behaviour supports and strategies.”

In Celina’s case, that purpose was completely ignored. There was no discussion, no support, and no engagement — only accusation and silence.

If the allegation is true, why hide evidence?

Weeks later, when Celina’s family tried to understand the basis for the allegations, they asked a simple question: What evidence and testimony were recorded against her? In an email dated 22 August 2025, Mr. Szymkow responded, “I am not certain what this refers to.

” He added that schools sometimes obtain information from police, teachers, or community reports, but stated he was “unable to provide” any documentation."

In other words, there was no evidence to show. Still, the allegations escalated. Celina was suddenly accused of making “online threats,” of “stalking other students,” and of “truanting.” No records, no witness statements, no proof — just words, powerful enough to harm a child but empty of substance. Our investigation revealed these claims were made without due process and arbitrary . To make such serious accusations without evidence, and to deny a child the right to respond, is not discipline — it is cruelty disguised as process.

A Family’s Decision for Safety and Wellbeing

The experience left Celina anxious, isolated, and fearful of returning to school. Her parents, heartbroken and out of options, made a difficult decision to prioritise their daughter’s safety and wellbeing. Celina will not attend Kingswood High School until the school provides evidence that forms a reasonable basis for the Formal Caution to Suspend issued against her. Their decision is not defiance — it is a protective measure made in the best interests of their child’s mental health and emotional security.

When fact-finding becomes arbitrary and false accusations are accepted as truth, every “support plan” or “behaviour strategy” that follows is built on sand. Instead of helping a child grow, it crushes her spirit. And that is what happens when a deputy principal forgets that fairness is not a checkbox — it is a duty.

No student should ever be punished without being heard. No parent should ever have to beg for the truth. And no educator should ever forget that justice in education begins with listening.