The College has named two recipients of the latest John XXIII Staff Scholarship. Mr James Kros, Head of Music Learning Area, and Mr Rob Di Giallonardo, Media Teacher, have each pursued professional advancement that exemplifies our College’s commitment to educational excellence and care for the whole person.
A global perspective on music education
Mr Kros travelled to Chicago, Illinois, to participate in the 79th Midwest Clinic, one of the world’s most respected music education conferences. Drawing more than 18,000 attendees from over 40 countries, the event provided access to innovative teaching methodologies and contemporary repertoire from leading practitioners.
‘The biggest thing was to seek that feeling of being genuinely inspired in the field and to try and keep that energy in my own teaching,’ Mr Kros explains.
‘I had a real desire to expand my scope of teaching reference beyond our College, our state and our country – to see and be inspired by some of the best to do it.’
Over three days, Mr Kros attended twenty-four workshops ranging from live performance demonstrations where international clinicians worked with school students, to conducting masterclasses and sessions on curriculum integration.
‘The scope and scale was almost intimidating, to start,’ he reflects. ‘But, quickly, the shared passions and common desire to further music education amongst the attendees lent the conference an inspiring and infectious energy.’
His reaction to receiving the scholarship reveals both humility and appreciation. ‘Certainly, gratitude after the initial disbelief! Having the opportunity to pursue professional learning in a conference environment that would be prohibitive to attend in normal circumstances is a great privilege.’
The impact on his teaching has already begun, with specific ideas around teaching, directing, conducting and programming already infusing his classroom practice. This investment in staff advancement supports our mission to develop educators who inspire and challenge their students.
Strengthening creative industries education
Mr Di Giallonardo is pursuing a Certificate qualification in Creative Industries while producing a professional-standard short film. This hands-on professional development will directly enhance media education and co-curricular opportunities for students across the College.
The film project is a coming-of-age story about a young Sikh man who discovers that a relaxation app lets him hear the inner thoughts of strangers. The production is close to completion, with plans to submit to festivals and arrange a screening in early 2026.
‘This qualification allows me to deepen my technical expertise while creating something meaningful,’ Mr Di Giallonardo explains. ‘The skills and insights I gain will flow into our media program, helping students understand the industry standard processes that define contemporary screen production.’
Mr Di Giallonardo’s project will be completed locally throughout the year, allowing him to share his evolving knowledge with colleagues and students in real time. The practical nature of his qualification, culminating in a festival-ready short film, has already begun yielding benefits.
‘I have already been able to impart learning from my experience to the media students in my classes, particularly regarding logistics involved on a film shoot and the realities to expect,’ he explains. ‘My hope is that students can take this knowledge and apply it to their own context, enabling a more efficient and effective filmmaking process for them.’
This direct translation of professional learning into classroom practice demonstrates our commitment to authentic, relevant education that serves students immediately.
Investing in people, enriching education
The John XXIII Staff Scholarship offers teachers the opportunity to engage in research or acquire skills in areas of importance to both the applicant and the College. Research may focus on any aspect of College life, with the expectation that learnings acquired will contribute significantly to our community.
This dedication to staff growth reflects our understanding that inspiring educational excellence begins with inspiring educators. By supporting teachers to remain at the cutting edge of their disciplines, John XXIII College ensures that students benefit from contemporary, innovative, and deeply informed teaching practices.
Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning, Laura Rutherford, emphasises the scholarship program’s strategic importance: ‘We believe that everyone in our College community is a learner. By prioritising professional learning at a strategic level, we strengthen both curricular and co‑curricular programs and maintain a clear focus on what matters most: student learning.’
Embodying Ignatian values
Recognising and nurturing each staff member’s individual gifts demonstrates care for the whole person, a foundational Ignatian principle. The scholarship program reinforces the understanding that the pursuit of knowledge and skill is never complete – there is always more to learn and discover.
Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission, Janeen Murphy, notes the deeper significance of the program:
‘In the spirit of St Ignatius, we understand that formation is ongoing. By supporting our staff to grow professionally and personally, we are creating a learning community where everyone – students and teachers alike – is encouraged to strive for greater excellence in service of others.’
A culture of continuous improvement
When teachers return from professional development experiences enriched with new knowledge, techniques, and perspectives, they share these insights with colleagues. Mr Kros’ international exposure to music education innovation will inform departmental discussions. Mr Di Giallonardo’s technical expertise and industry insights will strengthen not only media classes but also our broader approach to digital literacy across multiple learning areas.
This collaborative approach to professional growth reinforces our understanding that excellence is a shared endeavour, achieved through collegiality and mutual support.
Preparing students for their future
The John XXIII Staff Scholarship program ultimately serves our College’s most important purpose: preparing students for meaningful lives of service and contribution. When teachers remain current in their fields, students benefit from relevant, engaging, and forward-thinking education that equips them for a rapidly changing world.
As Principal Daniel Mahon observes:
‘Our strategic plan commits us to preparing students for their future. To achieve this, we must ensure our staff have access to opportunities that keep them at the forefront of contemporary practice.’
‘Mr Kros and Mr Di Giallonardo’s scholarship experiences will enhance our capacity to deliver education that forms capable, thoughtful graduates ready to make their mark.’
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