The St Albert the Great College board and rector on Wednesday categorically denied the “unfounded allegations that have been circulating publicly, and were also published by certain media outlets, regarding the termination of employment of Mr Mario Mallia due to disagreement on policies of inclusion.”

The termination of Mr Mallia’s situation within the College is the result of various managerial and procedural issues, which have been accumulating over a period of time and which regrettably remained unresolved, the college said in a statement.

On Tuesday, news of Mallia’s termination brought support for the dismissed headmaster, who told The Malta Independent that instead of understanding the inclusivity initiatives undertaken by administration at the St Albert the Great College, an individual from the Curia filed a complaint about them which led to the school board putting them to a stop.

In their statement Wednesday, issued through the Dominican priory, the board and rector said that for many years the said Dominican Province, which runs the school, has financially, and by other means, sustained the running of the College, even during the tenure of Mr. Mallia as Headmaster.

Since its inception 74 years ago, the College was already offering education to students from all walks of life. For a long time the Province sought to assist families and students who were unable to support their education.

The Board of St Albert the Great College said it has always had at heart all policies aimed at improving the lives of its students, their families and its educators alike, including policies of inclusivity, which it has always embraced, and which it will continue to push forward in the years to come with the same vision and perseverance.

“We feel that this is our duty, and the Board remains committed to its primary objective of ensuring the education and wellbeing of all entrusted to its care. In light of the above, the Board of the College of St. Albert the Great does not consider it opportune to make further public comments on these matters. It is willing to do so in the right fora and when the time is ripe. This is without prejudice to all intents and purposes at law,” the statement said.

In a separate statement, the Church Schools Association (CSA) said it is saddened that the differences between the Board of Governors of St Albert the Great College and its Head, Mr Mario Mallia, could not be reconciled and led to the decision to end Mr Mallia’s tenure as Head of School.

Notwithstanding the reasons for the dismissal of Mr Mallia, the association acknowledged Mr Mallia’s valid contribution to the educational inclusion of disadvantaged students and of students from different backgrounds. He has always been looking for ways to improve the position of those less fortunate.

The Association thanked Mr Mallia for his contribution to Church Schools over many years in caring for those less fortunate. The Association of Church Schools strongly believes that Church Schools should continue to be led through the contribution of lay people and religious and diocesan priests together, as is the case in the majority of Church Schools