Essington School’s new interim principal, Brian Kennelly, revealed as David Cannon goes on long service leave
AN IMPORT from New Zealand is set to replace Essington principal David Cannon when he departs for long service leave tomorrow amid reports of an internal conflict on the school board about his leadership
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AN IMPORT from New Zealand is set to replace Essington principal David Cannon when he departs for long service leave tomorrow amid reports of an internal conflict on the school board about his leadership.
Mr Cannon’s lengthy four-month break starts tomorrow and the Darwin private school has announced his interim replacement, Brian Kennelly.
Originally from New Zealand, Mr Kennelly has more than 30 years of education leadership experience.
He was the principal of Kinross Wolaroi School in New South Wales for a decade before moving to Adelaide where he has been working as an “education and leadership advisor” according to his LinkedIn profile.
In a letter sent out to parents on Wednesday, chair of the Essington school board Nathan Reichstein said the school would “be in good hands” with Mr Kennelly.
“I am pleased to be able to confirm The Essington International School Darwin has secured a highly qualified interim Principal/CEO for the first term of 2019, while David Cannon our Principal/CEO is taking long service leave,” Mr Reichstein said.
A disgruntled board member previously raised concerns with the NT News that some members on the school board harboured an agenda against David Cannon and were seeking to replace him.
Former Essington lab tech teacher Jodie Wood said she also knew of many staff members at the school who were unhappy about its leadership.
“The majority of the staff have no confidence in how things are being run,” she said.
“It’s very hard to get your grievances heard. I had several workplace safety concerns.”
Ms Wood claimed a fume cupboard at the school malfunctioned while she was employed there in September, which resulted in her inhaling hydrochloric acid and she had to be taken to hospital.
Mr Cannon was contacted for comment on Wednesday.
Incoming interim Essington School principal Brian Kennelly
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