Immanuel College to begin search for new principal in 2024 after John Tiver’s surprise resignation

An Adelaide private school has been rocked by its new principal resigning before the 2024 school year has begun.

The man who was meant to lead Immanuel College in 2024 has quit before the start of the school year.

John Tiver was due to begin a five-year term as principal of the independent school when students return to campus at the end of January.

However, Immanuel College chair Kym Wallent wrote to parents on Wednesday revealing that he had accepted Mr Tiver’s “resignation and intent not to commence as principal”.

John Tiver was recruited to lead Immanuel College in 2024 but has instead revealed his decision to retire. Picture: Supplied.

Outgoing Immanuel College principal Kevin Richardson has retired. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Mr Wallent told parents: “John’s words were … ‘for my health and wellbeing I have decided to retire now and not take up the five-year tenure of the principal role starting next year … I apologise for this change in direction and wish you and the college all the best for the future’.”

Mr Wallent said the decision was “disappointing” but “I also acknowledge that John had Immanuel’s best interests at heart in making this difficult decision”.

Mr Tiver resigned from his previous post at Marryatville High School in October 2023 and was recruited to replace Immanuel’s longstanding principal Kevin Richardson, who retired at the end of this year.

Located in Novar Gardens, in Adelaide’s southwest, Immanuel College has more than 1000 students from its Early Learning Centre to Year 12.

Immanuel College interim Principal Paul Wright.

Immanuel’s current head of middle school Paul Wright will act as interim principal when students return from school holidays next year.

Mr Wallent said Mr Wright would serve in that role “for at least a semester and quite possibly the full 2024 school year”.

“This arrangement will allow the college council to recommence a recruitment strategy for our next principal at an appropriate time in 2024,” he said.