Governance

Strong leadership and transparent governance ensures the College fulfils its mission and upholds its values with integrity.

LEADING WITH INTEGRITY AND PURPOSE

John XXIII College's governance structure fosters transparency, accountability and excellence, supporting the College’s commitment to nurturing people of competence, conscience and compassion​.

COLLEGE COUNCIL

The College Council is responsible for the strategic direction and stewardship of John XXIII College.

Key responsibilities

  • Defining and reviewing the College's mission to ensure it underpins all policies and decisions
  • Setting and monitoring the strategic plan in partnership with the College Executive
  • Approving the annual budget, overseeing financial management and risk, and appointing independent auditors
  • Reviewing and updating the Master Plan and Capital Development Plan to meet the needs of a contemporary learning environment
  • Overseeing and evaluating College programs while advocating in the wider community
  • Upholding compliance with relevant legislation, codes, and the College’s Constitution

Membership and commitment

The Council comprises eight to fourteen members selected for their diverse skills and commitment to our mission. They bring expertise in Catholic ethos, education, governance, law, finance, property, planning, and risk management. Serving voluntarily without remuneration, new members are recruited through an open expression of interest and complete a thorough induction process.

Name Role Key Qualifications/Appointment
Mr Simon Martin Chair BCom, CA, GAICD.
Appointed May 2025. ​
Mr Christian Owen Deputy Chair Bachelor of Laws (Hons).
Parent Representative.
Appointed October 2020. ​
Mr John Cumming Secretary BBus, FCA, GAICD (ex officio on all committees).
Appointed November 2015. ​
Dr Liz Dallimore Council Member BSc (Hons), PhD Neuroscience, MBA Technology, AICD.
Loreto Provincial's Representative
Appointed June 2025. ​
Very Rev Dr Sean Fernandes Council Member BTh, SThL, SThD, Senior Lecturer. Archbishop Nominee.
Appointed July 2025. ​
Mr Neil Hackett Council Member B Econs, GDAFI, GDFP, FFinsia, Fellow CISI, FAICD
Past Student and Parent Representative
Foundation Board Member
Appointed June 2018. ​
Mr Adrian Iredale Council Member M.Arch (RMIT), B.Arch (Hons), B.App.Sci, AAIA.
Chair, Property & Planning.
Appointed June 2022. ​
Ms Natalie Kendal Council Member BCom (Finance) and Law.
Parent Representative.
Appointed August 2019. ​
Mr Conley Manifis Council Member BCom, CA, CSA
Appointed February 2026.
Mr Daniel Mahon Principal (ex officio) MSL, BEd, GradCertRE, MiniCertGiftedEd, FIML ANZ.
Appointed May 2023. ​
Ms Jessica O'Hara Council Member Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
Appointed February 2024
Ms Maureen Ryan Council Member Provincial's Member/Nominee of Loreto Provincial
Appointed January 2024. ​
Sr Wendy Hildebrand IBVM Council Member Province Leader, Loreto Australia and South East Asia. ​

To support its work, the College Council establishes focused committees such as Finance and Risk and Property and Planning. These groups meet regularly to provide expert oversight and guidance. The College’s Executive manage day-to-day operations, supporting the effective delivery of educational programs and the wellbeing of students and staff.

PROPERTY AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

  • Mr Adrian Iredale (Chair)
  • Mr Tim Cawley
  • Mr John Cumming (Secretary)
  • Mr Ben Grainger
  • Mr Daniel Mahon (Principal) 
  • Mr Simon Martin
  • Mr Jim Pearson (Facilities Manager)
  • Mr John Prichard
  • Mr Nicholas Preston

FINANCE AND RISK COMMITTEE

  • Mr Conley Manifis (Chair)
  • Mr John Cumming (Secretary)
  • Mrs Amanda Garman
  • Ms Natalie Kendal
  • Mr Daniel Mahon (Principal)
  • Mr Simon Martin
  • Ms Bobbie Mignacca
  • Ms Jessica O'Hara

COLLEGE EXECUTIVE

Faith

MR DANIEL MAHON, PRINCIPAL

Committed to co-educational and Ignatian excellence, Daniel believes in embracing challenge, pursuing academic and personal growth, and serving others in the pursuit of justice. Drawing on leadership experience across NSW, VIC, and WA, he is passionate about empowering students to be faith-filled, compassionate contributors.

Faith

MRS SHANI ANDREWS, VICE PRINCIPAL – HEAD OF SECONDARY

Shani Andrews leads the Secondary school, focusing on student voice, leadership, and inclusivity, and plays a key role in developing frameworks that promote respectful relationships and a culture of care. Her collaborative leadership ensures every student feels valued, supported, and empowered.

Faith

MR JOHN CUMMING, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES

John Cumming oversees the College's non-teaching operations, including finance, administration, ICT, grounds, marketing, and support services, bringing over 30 years of executive experience as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand.

Faith

MISS ANTOINETTE DE PINTO, HEAD OF PRIMARY

Antoinette De Pinto leads the primary years with warmth and expertise, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where young learners grow in competence, compassion, and confidence; ensuring every child's unique talents are celebrated and supported from the earliest years.

Faith

MS JANEEN MURPHY, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – FAITH AND MISSION

Janeen Murphy leads faith and mission across the College, guiding students and staff in living out Ignatian values and fostering a strong sense of service, justice, and spiritual growth, keeping faith at the heart of all we do.

Faith

MS LAURA RUTHERFORD, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING

Laura Rutherford leads secondary teaching and learning. She is passionate about innovative practice and supporting teachers to deliver engaging, high-quality experiences that challenge and inspire every student to achieve their best.

Faith

MS DONNA KOLKA, HEAD OF MIDDLE YEARS (7 to 9)

Donna Kolka supports students in the middle years, with a focus on their academic, social and emotional development. She is dedicated to creating a positive and purposeful environment where students can build confidence and resilience during this formative stage of their schooling.

Faith

MR LIAM SMITH, HEAD OF SENIOR YEARS (10 to 12)

Liam Smith leads the senior years with a focus on preparing students for life beyond school. He is committed to supporting students’ academic achievement, wellbeing, and personal growth, ensuring they are ready to take their next steps with clarity and confidence​.

Keep Exploring About Us

Our College

Principal's Welcome

Our Principal is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and future-focused environment.

Our College

Faith

Guided by Ignatian spirituality, we nurture faith that inspires action, deepens purpose, and calls students to serve the world with courage and compassion.

Our College

Heritage

Our Loreto and Jesuit heritage shapes a culture of respect, service, and principled innovation – honouring the past while responding to the present.

Our College

Vision, Mission and Values

Pursuing excellence, justice, and service, we prepare students to lead with integrity and compassion.

Our College

National and Global Connections

Our students are enriched by meaningful partnerships with worldwide Jesuit and Loreto educational networks.

Our College

Academic Performance

Academic achievement and personal growth go hand in hand at John XXIII College, where every student is supported to realise their potential.

Our College

Reconciliation in Action

We walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, fostering understanding, deep respect, and a genuine commitment to reconciliation.

Our College

Sustainability Initiatives

We model responsible stewardship, embracing practices that care for our community and the natural environment.

Our College

Publications

Our publications capture the stories, achievements, and community life that define the John XXIII College experience.

Our College

Policies

Our policies uphold our commitment to the safety, respect, and wellbeing of every member of our community.

Our College

Giving

The generosity of our community helps provide the opportunities and resources that enrich student life and extend our mission.

EXPERIENCE JOHN XXIII COLLEGE

Wellbeing at John XXIII College is based on the Ignatian concept of cura personalis, which centres on the care of the whole person as a unique child of God.