Emmanuel College interim principal announced for elite Gold Coast school
A private Gold Coast Christian college that saw the shock resignation of its long-time principal has announced an interim replacement.
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A PRIVATE Gold Coast Christian college that saw the shock resignation of its long-time principal has announced an interim replacement.
Emmanuel College, a Prep to Year 12 non-denominational school in Carrara closely aligned with the Newlife church farewelled headmaster Patrick Innes-Hill last month after he announced his departure to a new school in northern NSW.
Deputy principal Gordon Johnstone on Thursday confirmed he would now be stepping into the role as interim principal while a search for a new head of school was under way.
It is understood the new principal will not be confirmed until 2022.
Mr Johnstone said he was happy to step up to the new task.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for me,” he said.
“I have been at this school for 14 years now and I know the school pretty well.
“My heart lies in this place and what the mission and the vision of Emmanuel College is.
“I am delighted and privileged to be offered the opportunity to carry the baton for next year.”
Despite the tumultuous year faced by educators everywhere, Mr Johnstone said the students and community had managed to adjust, and would also adjust to the new leadership.
“I think Emmanuel has flourished during 2020, despite COVID,” Mr Johnstone said.
“I think the quality of our students, and teaching and non-teaching staff, and everyone who is a part of our community has been amazing coming together.
“We have proved resilience during this time and we have no reason in 2021 to doubt we will continue and aspire to set new standards.
“We are not going to let this challenge get in our way – we have no expectation we will be treading water.
“We love our competitive environment and we will continue to be a leading institution on the Gold Coast in 2021.”
It is understood Mr Innes-Hill has now taken up a position at the Cape Byron Steiner School.
IN OCTOBER:
THE PRINCIPAL of an elite Gold Coast prep to year 12 school has tendered his resignation, leaving the school in hunt of a new leader in time for next year.
Emmanuel College parents have been informed Principal Patrick Innes-Hill will be leaving his influential role to work at a Byron Steiner School.
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Mr Innes-Hill who has worked in the role for seven years has overseen the school repeatedly secure some of the state’s top marks for graduates and during NAPLAN.
He also oversaw the opening of Josiah College, an affiliated specially built autism friendly junior school which opened in 2018.
In the letter to parents sent last week, Board Chair Tracey Hickey said Mr Innes-Hill made his intentions to join another school known last month.
“During the September school holidays, Mr Innes-Hill advised me he was in conversation with an independent school in Northern New South Wales regarding the possibility of joining their team.
“Last week Mr Innes-Hill informed the Board of Directors that he had accepted an offer for the role of principal.
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“While this is unusually short notice, the Board has responded favourably to Patrick’s request to conclude his service in time to start the school year in this new appointment.”
The board thanked Mr Innes-Hill for is contribution to the school who they say had “played a central role” in the college community as a leader and an educator.
“On behalf of the board, I express our gratitude for the work Mr Innes-Hill has done during his time as principal, we wish well for both him and Mrs Innes-Hill as they leave us.”
The school has now commenced the search for an acting principal for the new year.
A wider search will take place for the replacement next year to be confirmed for 2022.
Originally published as Emmanuel College interim principal announced for elite Gold Coast school