St Aloysius: rector's resignation 'not linked to overspending or misconduct'
Maria Montebello's resignation after three months was by 'mutual consent'
St Aloysius College insisted on Wednesday that the resignation of its rector, just three months into her job, was not linked to overspending "or any misconduct whatsoever."
Maria Montebello, the Jesuit-run school's first female and lay rector, resigned earlier this week while she was still on her probation period.
No reason for the resignation has been given, with the college saying on Wednesday it was by mutual consent. Parents and staff were informed of the decision on Tuesday.
The Maltese Herald had reported earlier that, according to its sources, Montebello "was fired over alleged extravagant and irregular spending."
The college told Times of Malta these claims were "entirely unfounded" and said it "disassociates itself from such speculation".
It said that its leadership will be in the hands of the three heads of school - Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form - with assistance from the legal representative of the college and chairman of the Board Fr Michael Bugeja SJ.
The announcement on Tuesday came as a shock to many and no reason was provided for the decision, prompting speculation.
Montebello took over one of Malta's longest-standing Church schools in September and was its 20th rector.
In an interview with Times of Malta that month, she described being "proud" of being not only the first lay rector after 118 Jesuit rectors but also the parent of an ex-student.
Previously Montebello was head of school within St Ignatius College and had collaborated with St Aloysius to set up events.
She oversaw St Aloysius secondary school welcoming its first female students this academic year, catching up with the primary and sixth form, which were already co-ed.