Special Announcement 

Jon Charlton, Principal

You will know by now that it has been announced that I will be leaving Kilvington at the end of the school year. As you can imagine, this has not been an easy decision for me to make. But after 14 years as Principal, it is time to explore other things.

I have absolutely loved my time at Kilvington as a teacher, Chaplain and Principal. In fact, it was my experience as a teacher and Chaplain here that drew me back to the School to take on the role of Principal.

Kilvington has always been, and continues to be, a school of warmth, friendliness and care, which possesses an authentic and vibrant community spirit. It has been a privilege to lead it as Principal.

While I will miss the community profoundly, I will take many, many wonderful connections and memories with me into the next phase of my life – a step I am looking forward to. However, I am here until the rest of the year, and will relish every moment. Official farewells can wait!

Today, the Chair of the Board, Jayashri Kulkarni, AM, addressed staff and our Senior School and upper Junior School students. I trust you will have received a letter detailing the process of appointing a successor. It is included below:

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM

Chair, Kilvington Grammar School Board of Directors

I am writing to let you know that Mr Jon Charlton has decided to end his tenure as Principal and will be leaving the School at the end of Term 4, 2021. After 19 years of superb work at Kilvington – 14 as our Principal – Jon believes that it is time for him to pursue other interests in his life.

Kilvington has flourished and grown enormously under Jon’s caring and innovative leadership. He has worked tirelessly to transform Kilvington into the remarkable co-educational school it is today. Kilvington holds a distinguished place in the broad education sector and our wider community, largely due to Jon’s creativity and productivity over many years.

I am sure that I speak for the whole community in saying that we are saddened by his decision; one that has been made after considerable thought. In his typical, altruistic fashion, Jon has waited until we passed through the challenging issues that Covid-19 brought last year. 

His clear guidance and steadying influence throughout the difficulties of 2020 ensured that Kilvington students received high quality teaching through a much-admired online program, as well as superb pastoral care. Our students’ excellent academic results for 2020 are a testament to his leadership through an unparalleled year of upheaval. 

Jon’s impact and legacy are apparent on many levels. Past and present Kilvington students from many different walks of life remain indebted to him for their wonderful education, and many profound learning experiences. Kilvington staff, students and their families speak of Jon with huge respect and affection. 

Many staff have been mentored by Jon over the years and can point to his significant impact on their careers and roles as first-class educators. Jon’s contribution to education and sport associations outside the School are also worthy of note. 

As Board Chair, on behalf of the Kilvington Board, I thank Jon for his wonderful work, support and enthusiasm in all matters that we have worked on together as a team. We will all have opportunities in the near future to properly thank Jon for his marvellous work over such a long period of time.

The Kilvington Board has commenced work to find the next Principal for Kilvington and has engaged a top tier search agency, Fisher Leadership, following a rigorous pitch process, to assist with a national and international search.  

An extensive recruitment advertising campaign will launch in the coming weeks. We are confident that we will find the ideal person to take Kilvington forward with the School’s academic excellence, character initiative, community engagement and pastoral care programs whilst allowing for a thorough handover/ induction process prior to Jon leaving.  

Our senior executive and leadership team, who met all the challenges that Covid-19 brought, are well placed to assist in the transition to a new Principal. In particular, the new Principal will be expected to continue the warm, nurturing and caring culture that we have all developed and carefully fostered at Kilvington.

Kilvington is in excellent fiscal shape, with the building works program progressing well to provide our students with state-of-the-art learning spaces. 

We remain ever grateful to Jon for his dedicated service to Kilvington over many years and expect his legacy will be built on by his worthy successor.