Why RJ?

Our Leadership

Our Leadership Team share a common purpose based on our College's vision and values.

Leading by example

The Leadership at RJ is
Passionate, Committed and Trustworthy.

Our Principal, Mr Alan Dawson (MEdLead, MMusStud, BMus, BA, AdvDipChristianMin&BibStudies) has had extensive experience in public and independent schools across Queensland and New South Wales. Mr Dawson joined the RJ community in 2017 as Deputy Principal and was appointed as Principal in 2021.

Mr Dawson is fully committed to ensuring that each and every RJ student succeeds under his care so they can become confident within themselves and serve society in a meaningful way. He believes an RJ education is one that distinguishes our students as confident, agile, reflective and engaged learners.

As a Christian Educator, Mr Dawson knows and understands the importance of being surrounded by the positive messages of hope and assurances of personal value that such an environment provides and is essential for encouraging a young person to become all they can be.

When you meet Mr Dawson, you will be impressed with how passionate he is about RJ. You will note his genuine affection for the students and his delight in watching them develop into mature young adults as they progress through the College.

Our Christian Executive

Mr Dawson is assisted by a highly talented and very experienced College Executive:

MR SCOTT ROBY, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
BChE, GDE, MEdLead, MACEL

Mr Roby recently joined the RJ community in 2023. He has been a Mathematics teacher for over 20 years and has extensive leadership experience in independent K-12 schools. Mr Roby has been an inspiring and faithful leader and has had various roles, including Head of House, Middle School Pastoral Care Leader, Assistant Head of Secondary, and Executive Dean of Students (10-12). Mr Roby strongly believes there is great power in gathering people under a common cause, using shared language, and building identity in a community of which people can be proud.

MR BRAD MAXWELL, HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
BAppSc (Econ&Geo)(Hons), GradDipSecEd, MEdLeadership

Mr Maxwell commenced teaching at the Anglican Schools Corporation in 2004 after seven years as a trainer/educator in the corporate sector. Mr Maxwell joined the RJ community in 2016 as the Director of Secondary Welfare. Mr Maxwell's keen desire is to help, encourage and support both students and staff to grow in their knowledge, skills and understanding.

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg, Head of Junior School
MEd, BEd, DipEd

Mrs Shannon-Duhigg joined the RJ community in 2020 and has had a wide range of teaching and leading experience in several independent schools, particularly in the area of performing arts. Mrs Shannon-Duhigg is particularly passionate about bringing joy to the classroom and embracing the creative arts.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw, Head of Academics, Learning & Innovation (P-12)
BSc (Hons), PGDip, PGCE, MClinTeach

Mrs Scrimshaw has had extensive teaching experience across K-12 schools in the United Kingdom and Australia in both public and independent sector. Mrs Scrimshaw has been pivotal in establishing and integrating RJ's online learning systems and has played a significant role as Director of Studies since joining RJ in 2016. Mrs Scrimshaw enjoys embracing the best that technology offers to optimise student learning and contributing to student success.

Mrs Stephanie Ghali, Head of Enterprise & Culture
MCom(ProfAcc), CertGov(NFP), ADipTh, JP

Mrs Ghali has been involved in several Christian Schools as Bursar/Finance Manager and joined the RJ community in 2015 in the newly established role of Operations Manager. Mrs Ghali oversees the operational aspect of the School, including property, finance, marketing and transport. In 2022, this role was renamed Head of Enterprise & Culture to reflect her broader involvement at RJ. Mrs Ghali is particularly passionate about College culture, building community, and providing excellent customer service.

Mrs Narelle Taylor, Head of Diverse Learning (P-12)
MSpecialEd (Distinction), BA, DipEd, Mini-COGE

Mrs Taylor has had extensive experience in Primary Education in independent schools since 2000. Mrs Taylor led the Oakhurst Primary from 2012 and has been involved in the commencement and ongoing management of the Marsden Park Campus. In 2020, Mrs Taylor relocated to the Marsden Park Campus to facilitate its continued growth. In 2022, Mrs Taylor took up a new role as Head of Diverse Learning (P-12) to develop further student support and engagement.

Our Christian Executive

RJ is owned by the Anglican Schools Corporation which delegates some matters (including the strategic direction of RJ) to the Richard Johnson Anglican College Council. This Council is made up of experienced and well qualified Christian volunteers:

Rev. Michael Smith
BEc, BD

Rev Smith serves as the Senior Minister at Minchinbury Anglican Church and joined the College Council in 2018. Rev Smith's three children currently attend RJ and Mrs Smith assists the School in the Primary Section. In April 2022, Rev. Smith took on the role of Council Chair.

Mr Stephen Longley
MBA (Deputy Chair)

Mr Longley's four children attended RJ. Mr Longley has worked in large retail and corporate organisations for over 35 years. He has served on the College Council since 2013.

Mr Gerry Hallam
FIPA, JP

Mr Hallam is an experienced finance professional with a 40 year history in financial services and education administration and joined the College Council in 2019. He has also served previously in a Christian school governance capacity and is passionate about the value of Christian Education. Mr Hallam's three adult children all attended Christian schools and his four grandchildren now attend RJ.

Mrs Alison Shannon
BCMS, BA

Mrs Shannon has a background in Marketing and Communications in Christian and not-for-profit organisations, and in the Early Learning and Care sector. She is currently the Director of Communications at Christ Church, Gladesville. Mrs Shannon is married to Matt and joined the College Council in 2021.

Mr David Jackson
BA, DipEd, MDiv, ThM, GradDipEdStds(SpEd), MA(SpEd), PhD.

Mr Jackson taught in state high schools before joining a Christian School as Head of Special Ed, later becoming Head of Biblical Studies before retiring in 2018. He is the author of Crying Out for Vindication: The Gospel According to Job (P&R, 2007). Mr Jackson is married to Pat. They have four married children and eleven grandchildren. He and his son Dan are co-founders and authors of trainingforliferedeemed.com. Mr Jackson joined the College Council in 2021.

Mrs Maritsa Pretorius
BAccSc, BTh, MICB, Human Resources Cert, JP

Mrs Pretorius is an experienced bookkeeper and her two sons are enrolled at RJ. Mrs Pretorius has been a wonderful support to the RJ community for a long time, often in a volunteer role. She teaches Scripture in a local Primary School and recently joined the College Council in 2023.

Mr Elon Chiu
BCom, CA, (ex-officio)

Mr Chiu is the School's designated Business Partner, who was an auditor at KPMG, and previously worked in Information Technology and Pharmaceutical industries. Mr Chiu joined the Anglican Schools Corporation in 2023 and is an ex-officio Council member, along with the Principal.

Many thanks to Mr Dawson, the Executive, teachers and staff for making RJ a place to belong, serve and succeed for all students. Thanks for your roles in building God's kingdom.
Mrs Hughes, Parent, 2023
BROWSE SECTION