College Leadership

Cameron Hughes is the proud Principal of St John’s Catholic College and is privileged to lead a community Strong in Faith and Strong Together.

Cameron is inspired by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) and the students, staff and families who have contributed to St John’s over 60 years.

Cameron is committed to leading a college that aspires for its graduates to flourish, by leading, living, loving and learning with a strong sense of heart spirituality. A college that has an aspiration that its graduates have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, make positive contributions to the local and global community, and make good moral decisions that promote a better world.

Cameron holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) from the University of Queensland, a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Postgraduate) and a Masters of Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University, TEFL Certification from the University of Toronto and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment from Youth Plus. Cameron’s teaching areas are Religious Education, Economics and Business.

Cameron commenced teaching for Catholic Education Northern Territory in 2004 and has worked across St John’s Catholic College, Xavier Catholic College Wurrumiyanga and Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School holding teaching, middle management and senior leadership positions. Cameron served as Principal of Xavier Catholic College (2012-2013) and was appointed as Acting Principal of St John’s in 2018 and was endorsed in the substantive position from 2019.

Joe Hicks brings a range of experiences, and qualifications, to the role of Deputy Principal at St John’s Catholic College.

His qualifications include a Diploma of Justice Studies from the South Australian Police Academy, Bachelor of Theology from Flinders University, Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) from Wesley Institute, and he is currently pursuing a Master of Education (Theological Studies) from Australian Catholic University.

Joe has worked in several roles during his career including as a South Australian Police Officer and Diocesan Youth Minister at the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide & Catholic Education Office, Adelaide SA.

He has also held various positions in the education sector including School Chaplain at Rostrevor College, Teacher, and leadership positions such as Acting Deputy Principal on several occasions and many years in the role of Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission at Nazareth Catholic College and St Paul’s College, SA.

Joe is passionate about Catholic Education and the formation opportunities it provides for the physical, mental, and spiritual development of students, staff, and the wider community.

He is delighted to be joining the wonderful St John’s Catholic College.

Cherilyn holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts and a Bachelor of Secondary Education from QUT completed as a double degree, a Graduate Certificate in Theology from Broken Bay Institute, a Graduate Certificate in Cross-Disciplinary Art & Design from the University of NSW College of Fine Arts, a Diploma of Fine Arts from Southbank Institute of TAFE, TEFL Certification from the University of Toronto and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment from Youth Plus.

Cherilyn began teaching in Catholic Education Northern Territory in 2004 and has worked across O’Loughlin Catholic College, Xavier Catholic College Wurrumiyanga, Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School and St John’s Catholic College in a range of middle management positions. Cherilyn was appointed to the position of Assistant Principal: Teaching & Learning at St John’s Catholic College in 2016.

Cherilyn leads the Academic Care Team of the College whose aim is to ensure students receive a valid, reliable and challenging curriculum in a high expectations environment.

Cherilyn’s teaching areas are: Design (Digital Communications), Visual Arts, English and Religious Education.

BPsychSc DipYouthWork

Scott has worked at St John’s Catholic College in different roles across the last 10 years. He has worked in all aspects of the Boarding operations from Houseparent, Assistant Head of Boys Boarding, Head of Boys Boarding, and now, has been the Director of Boarding for the last 6 years. During this time, the residential community has developed and improved its operational guidelines and professionalism to be in line with the National Standards and provide an exceptional home away from home for residential students.

Scott has been studying part time through Charles Darwin University and completed both his Diploma of Youth Work and Bachelor of Psychological Sciences while working at the College. He also has extensive experience working with the Restorative Principles of Engagement framework and is passionate about leading and mentoring Indigenous youth.

Prior to working at the College, Scott worked in tourism related positions in both Alice Springs and Darwin, over a period of 6 years, after a move from his home town of Adelaide. He enjoys most sports, including cricket and golf and played Australian Rules in Adelaide for a number of years. He enjoys camping and bushwalking with his wife and family, including two children, aged 12 and 9.

Ruth Suriyagoda holds memberships of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia and is a Fellow Member of CA Sri Lanka. She is also a registered BAS agent with the Tax Practitioners Board.

Ruth is an experienced professional with over fifteen years of experience in audit, financial accounting, taxation and financial management. Throughout the course of her career, she has held senior finance positions as Chief Financial Officer of Kentish Lifelong Learning and Care, Senior Finance Officer of the Department of the Legislative Assembly NT and a dynamic stint as a Senior Manager at Ernst & Young (Sri Lanka). Her association with Catholic Education NT commenced in 2019 as Finance Manager of the Aboriginal Catholic Community Schools (ACCS).

Ruth has been a Darwin local since 2017 and loves the Territory lifestyle. She has a passion for training and mentoring aspiring accountants and students, to develop skilled professionals in the Territory.

Ruth is a committed Christian and takes a keen interest in theology, Bible study and church history.

Justin Veitch brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to the role of Assistant Principal Religious Education at St. John’s Catholic College. He holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Tasmania and a Master of Educational Leadership from Monash University. Justin has also gained international teaching experience in Vietnam and Thailand.

Throughout his career, Justin has held various roles within the school setting, including principal positions and several deputy principal positions within Catholic Education Tasmania. Currently, he is on long service leave for six months.

Justin is passionate about Catholic Education and the opportunity it provides for students to belong to a community. He values the teaching of Gospel values and is committed to the holistic development of students. He is excited to be joining the wonderful St. John’s Catholic College.