Cornerstone College at Mount Barker appoints new principal after shock resignation

The Adelaide Hills’ premier private school has ended a three-month search for a new leader, appointing a well-known SA principal.

The largest private school in the Adelaide Hills has announced its new principal, nearly three months after the former principal resigned.

Kelvin Grivell has been appointed the new principal of Cornerstone College in Mount Barker, the college board’s chair Noel Mifsud announced in a letter on Monday.

Mr Grivell said he was excited to return to the Adelaide Hills, where his teaching career started, and looked forward to embracing “new opportunities and challenges”.

“I’m at my best when working alongside others so am extremely excited to meet and connect with the staff, students and families of the Cornerstone community,” he wrote in the letter.

“I’m grateful to the board for the trust afforded to me and I also give thanks to God for the privilege of leading the College’s next chapter.”

Mr Grivell, who will leave his principal role at Encounter Lutheran College, is in the final stages of Doctoral studies and has a Master of Business Administration.

“He brings extensive educational and faith leadership experience in Lutheran education, a passion for fostering compassionate and trusting relationships, and a commitment to building thriving school cultures,” Mr Mifsud said in the letter.

Cornerstone College at Mt Barker announced Kelvin Grivell will become the college’s new principal from Term 2 next year. Picture: Brenton Edwards.

Mr Grivell will take over from former principal Tom Brennen and acting principal Kaye Mathwin-Cox, starting the role in term two next year.

In the meantime, Kevin Richardson will work as the interim principal for term one.

“Kevin is one of Lutheran Education’s most experienced educational leaders having retired after 20 years as Principal of Immanuel College,” Mr Mifsud wrote.

“Kevin brings a wealth of experience in principal mentoring, using technology to enhance learning, strategic planning and Lutheran school leadership.

“The Cornerstone College community will benefit greatly from Kevin’s visionary leadership and commitment to educational excellence.”

The 7-12 Lutheran secondary school has more than 900 students across its large campus.

In October, Mr Mifsud announced Mr Brennen had resigned for “personal family reasons”.

Former principal Tom Brennen resigned in October. Picture: Cornerstone College/Instagram

“We are grateful for Mr Brennen’s leadership over the past two and a half years,” Mr Mifsud wrote in a letter to parents.

“During his tenure, the College has continued to grow in educational outcomes, student experience, and enrolments.

“We thank him sincerely for his service and wish him and his family every blessing into the future.”

Mr Brennan’s resignation came days after the second court appearance of ex-Cornerstone teacher Symon Gogel, who is charged with one count of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Mr Mifsud said Mr Brennen’s resignation was “not in relation to any matter related to the college”, and that there was “no evidence” any current students were impacted by the allegations.

Mr Gogel was fired in July after his first court appearance where he was accused of sexually assaulting a child 17 years ago.

He appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on November 20, where he was remanded on continuing bail to return to court next year.

Originally published as Cornerstone College at Mount Barker appoints new principal after shock resignation