This week, the College has faced a backlash from some parents, alumni, and the public over the new contract, which was emailed to parents last Friday.

The contract required parents to affirm that their child identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth and agree that “any form of sexual immorality (including but not limited to; adultery, fornication, homosexual acts, bisexual acts, bestiality, incest, paedophilia, and pornography) is sinful and offensive to God and is destructive to human relationships and society”.

In a media statement released today, the College’s Principal, Pastor Brian Mulheran, said, “We deeply regret that some students feel that they would be discriminated against because of their sexuality or gender identity, and I apologise to them and their families on behalf of the College.

“As stated previously, the College does not and will not discriminate against any student because of their sexuality or gender identity. It is central to our faith that being gay or transgender in no way diminishes a person’s humanity or dignity in God’s eyes.”

The College also said it was “deeply distressed” some of its students have been “vilified in the community simply for their religious beliefs or because they attend the College”.

“I hope that by withdrawing the contract we can return all of our focus to the Christian education of our students as we begin this new year,” Mulheran said.

Citipointe’s media statement went on to say the school hopes that “by withdrawing the contract we can return all of our focus to the Christian education of our students as we begin this new year.

“Every individual is created equal in the image of God and should be treated with compassion, love, kindness, respect and dignity. This will continue to be at the heart of our College and help us to come together again as a community.

“Our society gives freedom to people to be a part of groups with shared beliefs. Citipointe has the freedom to maintain its Christian ethos and this is an essential part of Christian education and choice for parents. As a College established for religious purposes, we will continue to provide an education based on our shared beliefs.”