Character Analysis
The principal of Jellicoe School, Mr. Palmer typically only shows up as a vehicle for information or to act as the chief authority figure when things get out of control between the factions, such as the massive fight at the Cadets' welcoming festivities and the fire at Lachlan House.
Like with most authority figures at the school, Taylor has a hard time trusting him. He attempts to present "some kind of warmth and familiarity" (6.33) in his office, but the truth is that he's probably not planning on sticking around—the school has had three principals in the six years Taylor's been at the school.