Principal 'threatens to shut down his school because he refuses to get a Covid jab and handed out anti-vaccine conspiracy propaganda at a staff meeting where teachers ran out in tears'
- Principal threatens to shut down his school rather than get a Covid vaccine
- Adam Zydek has sought legal advice on closing Divine Mercy College in Perth
- Staff member claimed he handed out anti-vaccination literature in a meeting
- WA teaching staff have until the start of Term One next year to get vaccinated
A Perth principal has threatened to shut down his entire school rather than get a Covid jab mandated for teaching staff by the Western Australian government.
Principal Adam Zydek has sought legal advice on closing Divine Mercy College in Yangebup in the city's south, fearful staff members have claimed.
During a staff meeting on Wednesday, Mr Zydek reportedly handed out anti-vaccination literature, blindsiding teachers who had expected a school announcement.
'Everyone was in tears,' the staff member told the West Australian.
'Staff walked out of the meeting.'
Principal Adam Zydek (pictured) has threatened to shut down Divine Mercy College in Yangebup in south Perth because he does not wish to get vaccinated
One staff member claimed the principal had previously vocalised his opposition to vaccines because he believed they posed a greater risk that Covid-19.
They claimed the principal told teaching staff the technology used to develop vaccines had aborted baby foetuses.
The staff member said he also claimed police would arrive at people's homes to forcibly administer the jab and put them in concentration camps.
The McGowan government has mandated all teachers and school staff to get vaccinated against Covid-19 by the start of Term One next year.
The first term of the school year begins on January 31.
Nearly 400 students and 50 staff at the Catholic college will be forced to find education and employment elsewhere if Mr Zydek gets his way.
Nearly 400 students and 50 staff at Divine Mercy College (pictured) will be forced to find education and employment elsewhere if Mr Zydek gets his way
The principal - who has led the school since 1996 - has refused to comment on his personal views surrounding vaccines.
He told the West Australian the school board was still considering its next move.
''We are still in the process of making a decision about how to approach the whole situation in the very best and proper manner, taking into account the best interests of staff and students,' he said.
Education Minister Sue Ellery told the publication she was aware of the allegations and said she hoped they weren't true.
Ms Ellery said if the claims were accurate it was 'terribly disappointing' that a principal would not put his trust in science.
She said the education leader simply had to look at eastern states like NSW and Victoria to see evidence of how the virus can spread in schools as well as the efficacy of the vaccine to protect staff and students.
In October, Mark McGowan announced Covid-19 vaccinations would be compulsory for three-quarters of the country's workforce, including teachers
'I have asked to be kept advised into investigations into the allegation,' she said.
Independent Education Union WA branch secretary Rebecca Collopy said staff members had been ringing the union in tears.
Ms Collopy said she had written to Mr Zydek to deliver a stark reminder he needed to comply with employment awards and consult with staff and their representatives.
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In October, Mark McGowan announced Covid-19 vaccinations would be compulsory for three-quarters of the country's workforce, including teachers.
Employers who are caught using workers who have not been vaccinated will be fined $100,000, and employees risk $20,000 fines for flouting the order.
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