Headquarters:
Entry 1, John Paul Drive, Daisy Hill, QLD 4127
Year founded:
1982
Number of employees:
More than 500
Phone:
07 3826 3333
Email:
community@jpc.qld.edu.au
Website:
jpc.qld.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/school/john-paul-college
Craig Merritt
Principal Qualifications: BA, Dip Ed, MEd (Leadership and Management)
Jacob Elms
Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary School
Qualifications: MEd (Lead), BEd (Sec), MACEL
Lindsay McQuattie
Deputy Principal – Head of Primary School
Qualifications: BEd (Prim), MLDrshp
Leadership
Craig Merritt was appointed the sixth Principal of John Paul College in 2023, bringing more than 30 years of experience in teaching and leadership across Queensland co-educational schools. Prior to joining JPC, he served as Principal of St Luke’s Anglican School in Bundaberg. Since commencing at JPC, Craig has led the College through the launch of its Ignite Ambition Strategic Plan, focused on innovation, excellence, wellbeing and global citizenship. He is passionate about academic excellence, inclusive leadership and fostering a strong sense of community within a modern, Christian Ecumenical environment, empowering students to enrich society with courage, character and optimism.
Principal
Qualifications: BA, Dip Ed, MEd (Leadership and Management)
Craig Merritt
Jacob Elms commenced as deputy principal – head of secondary school at John Paul College in 2025. An experienced and relational educational leader, he brings extensive expertise in pastoral care, curriculum, compliance and strategic leadership within independent schools.
Prior to joining JPC, Elms served as head of secondary school at AB Paterson College, leading initiatives focused on student outcomes, staff development and a culture of excellence and care. Holding a Master of Education (Leadership), he is passionate about the transformative power of education and committed to fostering authentic relationships, high expectations and a future-focused learning environment grounded in unity, service and learning.
Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary School
Qualifications: MEd (Lead), BEd (Sec), MACEL
Jacob Elms
Lindsay McQuattie commenced at John Paul College in 2011 and has held several leadership roles, including team leader, primary curriculum leader and dean of pedagogy (primary). Appointed head of primary school in 2020, she now serves as deputy principal – head of primary school, with oversight of the College’s Performing Arts program.
McQuattie holds a Master of Leadership (Curriculum and Pedagogy) and is a respected International Baccalaureate PYP Workshop Leader across Asia and Australia. Passionate about innovation, collaboration and student-centred learning, she is committed to empowering teachers and fostering a culture of excellence, growth and collective success.
Deputy Principal – Head of Primary School
Qualifications: BEd (Prim), MLDrshp
Lindsay McQuattie
David Ferguson
Deputy Principal – International & Accommodation
Qualifications: GCertBus, MEd, GradDipEd (sec),
BHum (Hons)
David Ferguson is deputy principal – international and accommodation operations at JPC, leading one of Australia’s largest school-based international student programs, supporting more than 250 students across boarding, homestay and day student pathways. An executive leader at the College for the past decade, he oversees the strategic direction of international operations and curriculum licensing initiatives through John Paul International College.
A qualified secondary teacher and TESOL educator, Ferguson holds postgraduate qualifications in education and business. He is passionate about delivering sustainable, research-informed international education programs that enhance student outcomes, operational excellence and global engagement opportunities.
Deputy Principal – International & Accommodation
Qualifications: GCertBus, MEd, GradDipEd (sec), BHum (Hons)
David Ferguson
Claire Henkey
Chief Marketing Officer
Qualifications: BBus, MBus,
GradCertProjMgmt, GAICD, CPM
Claire Henkey is chief marketing officer at John Paul College, leading strategic marketing, communications, enrolments, community engagement, philanthropy and alumni relations. With more than 25 years of experience across the education, retail and franchise sectors, she brings expertise in brand strategy, stakeholder engagement and organisational growth.
Prior to JPC, Henkey held senior roles at Bond University and TerryWhite Chemmart. She has strengthened the College’s brand presence through integrated marketing and community-focused initiatives that enhance the family experience. A collaborative and strategic leader, she is passionate about building meaningful connections and supporting the long-term aspirations of the College and its community.
Chief Marketing Officer
Qualifications: BBus, MBus, GradCertProjMgmt, GAICD, CPM
Claire Henkey
Kerryn Campbell
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Qualifications: Com CA GAICD GIA (Cert)
Mark Pearce
Chief Information Officer
Qualifications: BSc, BIT, JP (Qual)
Margaret Leau-Sulusi
Business Development Manager
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Kerryn Campbell is chief financial and operations officer at John Paul College, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and over two decades in independent education leadership. She has extensive expertise in financial stewardship, governance, enterprise risk management, ICT strategy and capital development, successfully overseeing major projects across Queensland schools.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Campbell also serves on two independent school boards. Known for her values-driven leadership, she combines strategic insight with a strong commitment to service. She is passionate about supporting initiatives that reflect the College’s values of integrity, compassion, excellence and community.
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Qualifications: Com CA GAICD GIA (Cert)
Kerryn Campbell
Mark Pearce joined John Paul College as chief information officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in IT leadership, strategic planning and business transformation. Formerly director of information systems at Accor Apartments & Realty, he led major technology initiatives that improved operational efficiency, innovation, and productivity.
Pearce has extensive expertise in IT security, infrastructure, compliance and change management, supporting organisations with significant operational scale. He is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance educational excellence and future-focused learning. A collaborative leader, he is committed to building high-trust teams and delivering technology solutions that support the College’s strategic vision and student success.
Chief Information Officer
Qualifications: BSc, BIT, JP (Qual)
Mark Pearce
Margaret Leau-Sulusi brings over 20 years of banking experience to her role as business development manager, having started with Westpac in 2005. Her background includes lending support, senior lending roles and branch management. Leau-Sulusi partners closely with mortgage advisers, providing product expertise and strategic guidance to drive strong client outcomes. Known for her collaborative style and responsiveness, she is passionate about building trusted relationships and delivering customer-focused results.
Business Development Manager
Margaret Leau-Sulusi
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
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Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
“We also maintain open lines of communication with advisers so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly”
Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand
“We’ve invested heavily in resourcing and process improvements to reduce friction and speed up approvals”
Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand
At John Paul College (JPC), every student is empowered to ignite their ambition and discover a pathway where they can thrive. As a Prep to Year 12 Christian ecumenical college, JPC believes every learner deserves the opportunity to pursue excellence, regardless of where their strengths or aspirations lie. This commitment is reflected in a breadth of opportunities that enables students to explore, discover and grow with confidence.
Students can choose from more than 40 sporting and co-curricular activities, alongside a vibrant performing arts program encompassing orchestras, concert bands, choirs, theatre productions, dance ensembles and student-led technical crews. Specialist Sport Academies in basketball, cricket, football, netball and volleyball provide aspiring athletes with high-performance development, while clubs spanning coding, esports, chess, creative writing, debating and community service ensure every student can pursue their passions beyond the classroom.
Technology at JPC is purposeful, equipping students with the skills they need to flourish in a rapidly changing world. Education-ready artificial intelligence platforms, including SchoolAI and Microsoft Copilot, are introduced at age-appropriate year levels to deepen understanding, encourage critical thinking and support independent learning. For staff, AI tools such as Claude streamline planning and administration, enabling more time for meaningful teaching, feedback and connection with students.
Every learning environment is designed to enhance engagement and creativity. Students in Years 1 to 3 learn using teacher-managed iPads that support focused and intentional learning, while every student from Year 4 is provided with a College-managed notebook computer. Interactive learning spaces feature 86-inch digital displays, and specialist facilities such as the Applied Design makerspace combine emerging technologies including 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers, allowing students to transform ideas into real-world solutions.
Supporting every learner sits at the heart of the College’s educational philosophy. A tiered, evidence-informed intervention framework has significantly reduced the number of students requiring early literacy support, while gifted learners can extend their potential through the AccelerateExcel program, offering acceleration, personalised mentoring and authentic learning experiences in fields including aviation, law and ethics. Students with diverse learning needs are supported through Universal Design for Learning, personalised learning plans and assistive technologies, while peer mentoring initiatives foster belonging, confidence and connection.
Student wellbeing is embedded in every stage of the educational journey through the College’s SOARING Framework, inspired by the principles of positive psychology. From Prep to Year 12, students are intentionally supported to develop resilience, wellbeing, character and purpose. Counsellors, chaplains and wellbeing professionals work alongside families to provide individual and group support, while wellbeing data enables early intervention to ensure every student is known, valued and cared for.
As one of Australia’s most culturally diverse school communities, JPC celebrates the richness of its global family. Students from more than 57 nationalities and over 45 home languages learn together in an environment where diversity is embraced as a strength. Programs such as the Home Language Club, English as an Additional Language support and the College’s Faith in Unity celebrations foster cultural understanding, respect and belonging, ensuring every student feels connected to the community.
Leadership and future readiness are cultivated from the earliest years. Every Year 6 student is recognised as a leader, with opportunities continuing through more than 38 student leadership positions across sport, performing arts, co-curricular activities and the wider College. Through the Career Development Centre, students receive personalised guidance, work experience opportunities, vocational pathways, school-based apprenticeships and university partnerships with Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology and The University of Queensland. Combined with more than 110 subject and pathway options, students graduate with the confidence, capability and character to make a meaningful contribution to society.
At JPC, education extends beyond academic achievement. It is about developing exceptional individuals who are equipped to lead with purpose, embrace opportunity and courageously enrich the world around them.
