Encounter Lutheran College welcomes new Principal
A new chapter has begun at Encounter Lutheran College, with Mr Shane Jurecky installed as the College’s fourth Principal during a special Installation Service in Victor Harbor on Monday 20 July, 2026.
More than 800 students from Early Learning to Year 12, together with staff, parents, College Board Members and invited guests, gathered in the College’s Kondole to witness the significant occasion. Representatives from across the Lutheran Church and Lutheran education sector were also in attendance, including Bishop Andrew Brook (LCA SA-NT), Bishop Paul Smith (Lutheran Church of Australia), Craig Fielke, Executive Director of Lutheran Education SA/NT/WA, Jodie Hoff from Lutheran Education Australia, the Hon. Lou Nicholson MP, Mayor Moira Jenkins, and principals from Lutheran schools across South Australia.
The Installation Service formally commissioned Mr Jurecky into his role, with prayers and blessings offered for his leadership as he begins this new chapter with the College.
Mr Jurecky succeeds Mr Kelvin Grivell, who concluded 14 years of dedicated service as Principal at the end of Term 1.
Bringing more than three decades of experience in Lutheran education, Mr Jurecky has served as both a teacher and educational leader across South Australia, Queensland and Victoria. Most recently, he was Principal of Peace Lutheran College in Cairns and has also led Good Shepherd College in Hamilton, Victoria. His appointment marks a return home to South Australia after more than 20 years interstate.
Speaking following the service, Mr Jurecky said he was honoured to begin serving the Encounter community.
‘I am honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Encounter Lutheran College. Encounter has been uniquely shaped by the dedication and faith of so many people who have built a community where every person is known, valued and supported. I look forward to building on these strong foundations alongside our staff, students, families and the wider community.’
Throughout the Installation Service, Mr Jurecky was presented with a number of symbolic gifts representing new beginnings, growth, God’s Word, belonging, the College’s traditions and the Victor Harbor community he and his family now call home. Together, these gifts reflected the shared commitment of the Encounter community to supporting its new Principal as he leads the College into the future.
Encounter Lutheran College Board Chair Sophie Ducrou said the installation marked an exciting milestone in the College’s history.
‘Today was a celebration of both our strong foundations and the exciting future that lies ahead. We are delighted to officially welcome Shane to Encounter Lutheran College and look forward to the wisdom, experience and Christian leadership he will bring to our community.’
As one of the leading independent Christian schools on the South Coast, Encounter Lutheran College provides education from Early Learning to Year 12, with more than 800 students enjoying a holistic, faith-based education on its Victor Harbor campus. Guided by its vision to help every student Thrive, Connect and Belong, the College continues to invest in innovative learning opportunities while remaining deeply connected to its Christian values and the Fleurieu Peninsula community.
Photos above: Left: LCA SA-NT District Bishop Andrew Brook, Shane Jurecky. Right: Jodie Hoff , Craig Fielke, Shane Jurecky, LCA SA-NT District Bishop Andrew Brook, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith
This article first appeared on the Encounter Lutheran College website (www.encounter.sa.edu.au/news/principal-installation) on Monday, 20 July 2026.
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