St Paul’s College principal Mark Doecke resigned on Wednesday after an extended period of leave “for reasons relating to employment”  since June 7.

An extract from the school’s online weekly bulletin on August 17, which was removed and then subsequently reinstated, confirmed his ongoing absence and addressed allegations. “Contrary to speculation, we would like to assure the school community that Mark is not under police investigation,” it read.

“The board has remained in continuous communication with Mark during his period of absence and both Mark and the board are fully committed to acting in the best interests of the students. “We would like to thank (acting principal) Caroline Clancy for her leadership and professionalism at this time and for taking such great care of the school during Mark’s absence.”

In his resignation letter, he said he looked forward to receiving a call from NSW Lutheran bishop Mark Lieschke to return to his “very first calling” after almost 23 years of leading schools.

Mr Doecke was subject to investigation in 2015 for his behaviour towards staff members and students, a lack of staff in boarding houses to care for students with behavioural issues and/or disabilities and the management of critical incidents at the school.

Ms Clancy did not return calls for comment.

Lutheran Education Australia director Paul Weinert confirmed, in February, Mr Doecke had been stood down during the investigation and returned to work in an administrative capacity before being reinstated as principal in August 2015.

The Border Mail has spoken to several former staff members who were dismayed by lax mandatory reporting measures, duty of care failures and a toxic environment at the school.

“It’s almost as though the school’s version of Christianity transcends any legal responsibility they had towards students,” one said.

Documents sighted by The Border Mail, during a six-month investigation, reveal several complaints were raised about Mr Doecke’s professionalism, regarding physical discipline of children, and treatment of staff members.

In December 2015, nine people gave various accounts of their experiences with Mr Doecke to the Lutheran Church professional standards unit - four months after he returned to the school following an Association of Independent Schools NSW probe.

Staff were thanked for sharing their “emotional vulnerability” by director Liz Crawford but discouraged from sharing information with other people or the media.

Mr Weinert said the AISNSW undertook an independent inquiry for the NSW Ombudsman into “some allegations” at the co-ed facility.

“These were found to be unsustained with no recommended outcomes for the school,” he said.

“This was undertaken last year and, whilst strict privacy and industrial laws prevent any public disclosure of details, I can assure you the matter was dealt with appropriately and expeditiously, and relevant independent authorities have made their findings.  

“I see no rational motivation or avenue to revisit the matter.”

In a previous missive to the school community, obtained by The Border Mail, Mr Doecke lashed detractors wanting to “diminish the good work and fun times of others”.

“We know there are a few of those at the moment trying to undermine the good work and name of the college,” he wrote.

“Unfortunately, this is part of life and we need to ensure such distractions do not stop our young people from doing their best and using their God-given talents to the fullest.

“Don’t let the detractors (and we live in a society where sadly many try hard to cut the tall poppies short) of today take away from the learning, the fun and the enjoyment your children get out of being part of our school community.”

A spokesman for NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli declined to comment.

“Responsibility for the management of an independent school rests with each individual school’s board,” he said.

Prior to moving to joining St Paul’s in October 2010, Mr Doecke was principal of Alice Springs indigenous school Yirara College for 16 years.

It was subject to a request for information from the Royal Commission into child abuse, spanning from 1992 to 2015, in April.

The Border Mail has no information to suggest the commission is investigating any specific allegations against Mr Doecke.