All Hallows School Scandal: Whistleblower Explains Closure and Cover-Up

All Hallows' School, Brisbane's prestigious all-girls Catholic institution, abruptly ceased operations on Tuesday following the tragic death of a 9-year-old student, sparking whistleblower allegations of systemic cover-ups and leaving hundreds of families in turmoil.

The sudden closure announcement, delivered via email to shocked parents, halted all academic programmes with immediate effect at the 159-year-old institution.

Tragic Loss Triggers Immediate Closure

On 22 July 2025, All Hallows' School notified parents via email of its immediate closure, halting all classes, extracurricular activities, and events.

Principal Catherine O'Kane confirmed the student's death occurred over the weekend, though specific circumstances remain undisclosed. 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic loss,' O'Kane stated, whilst urging privacy for the bereaved family.

Parents were seen rushing to the school to take their children home by 2:00 pm Tuesday, with the school offering no clear timeline for reopening.

According to 7NEWS, the email cited a significant event but provided minimal details, leaving families anxious and speculating about deeper issues.

On X @Grhavit posted 'A wave of shock and grief has swept through the All Hallows' School community following the heartbreaking death of a Year 9 student over the weekend.'

While @Deathnotice247 reported 'All Hallows School Suicide, Death - Elite Brisbane private girls college All Hallows' School Student Dies Suddenly'.

The school, which serves approximately 1,500 students, has faced significant disruption, with parents expressing frustration over the lack of communication.

Whistleblower Exposes Alleged Cover-Up

A whistleblower, identified only as a former staff member, has claimed the 'closure is part of an effort to conceal systemic problems at All Hallows'.

The whistleblower alleged that the school suppressed reports of discrimination claims and mismanagement, issues that have plagued the institution for years.

In 2023, Education Daily reported that All Hallows' faced accusations of discriminating against students with ADHD, anxiety, and dyslexia, leading to a mass exodus of students.

One parent told the Courier Mail, 'Children with ADHD are seen as troublesome, disruptive kids – but they're not, their brain just works a bit differently.'

The whistleblower claims these concerns were inadequately addressed, with at least 12 teachers resigning in 2023, citing ethical concerns.

The whistleblower further alleged that the school's leadership prioritised its reputation as Queensland's oldest secondary school over student welfare, prompting the current cover-up to avoid public scrutiny.

Community Demands Transparency

The closure has reignited scrutiny of All Hallows' troubled history. In 2024, senior students posted explicit and deplorable social media content, including altered uniforms with offensive captions, which prompted widespread outrage.

This situation has heightened scrutiny of All Hallows' ability to uphold its Mercy values of compassion and justice. As the controversy deepens, parents and alumni are pressing for clear answers to restore trust in the institution's commitment to its values and its students.

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission has yet to comment on the allegations or announce plans for an investigation.