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.

Motivated by the social justice outcomes of education, Rebecca is proud to take on the role of Deputy Principal at St John’s Catholic College. Having been educated by the Sisters of Mercy and having taught at schools led by the Sacred Heart mission over the last 10 years Rebecca has a strong faith background.

Rebecca's qualifications include a Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning from Massey University (2003 - 2006), Graduate Diploma in Teaching from Victoria University of Wellington (NZ) (2010) and Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Massey University (2018- Present). 

Rebecca has worked in several prominent roles in education throughout New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia including a Classroom Teacher at Upper Hutt College (2012), ACS Hillingdon International School (2012-2014), Teacher of Geography, Sociology, Understanding Religion and Junior Social Studies at Wellington East Girls College.

Rebecca has been working at Catholic Education NT since 2014. She worked as an NTCET Coordinator and a Senior Teacher at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College 2014 – 2022 and Head of Burford House and Classroom Teacher at St John's Catholic College since 2023.

Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) from Monash University and a Master of Teaching (Secondary) from University of Tasmania. Nelson models a commitment to continuous academic development, and further complements his qualification with a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification from the University of Toronto, Instructional Coaching, and Brown’s Collective – Leading from Within program. Nelson’s teaching areas are Science, Biology, Psychology and Mathematics. In 2025, Nelson will embark on a Master of Educational Leadership degree through the Australian Catholic University.  

Nelson commenced teaching at St. John’s Catholic College in 2019, where he served several middle leadership positions including Head of Faculty and SACE Coordinator, significantly contributing to capacity building of teachers at the College. At the end of 2023, he accepted a role with the Department of Education and Training of the Northern Territory as a Teaching and Learning Advisor. During this period, Nelson extended his leadership to drive curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment outcomes at a system level through his Australian Curriculum: Science and Northern Territory Certificate of Education (Modified) portfolios. 

Nelson envisions an educational landscape where all learners can flourish and achieve meaningful life outcomes. He is passionate about building differentiated programs and flexible education pathways at the College. To this end, Nelson aims to drive data-informed practices and collaborative partnerships among educators through the Catholic Education NT Learning Alliance. His experience from coaching and working with school leaders in the NT including remote regions will be instrumental at achieving this strategic pursuit to improve learning outcomes and senior secondary delivery at the College.   

Guided by St John’s motto, "Strong in Faith," Carla is dedicated to fostering a united school community that actively works together to live out the Gospel values of Compassion, Courage, Welcome and Truth.

Carla holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Southern Queensland and is currently pursuing a Diploma of Secondary Teaching, majoring in Home Economics, through Central Queensland University, as well as Cornerstones studies with the Broken Bay Institute. She has also completed the Brown Collective's Leading From Within professional development for middle leaders. In 2025, Carla will recommence a Master of Educational Leadership with the Australian Catholic University.

Carla has been employed at Catholic Education NT since 2021, where she has held the positions of Classroom teacher and Religious Education Coordinator at Holy Spirit School and joined the St John’s College team as a Classroom Teacher in 2024. Prior to working at Catholic Education NT, Carla held a variety of leadership positions including Senior Teacher, and Assistant Principal in the NT Department of Education.

With strong ties to Parish life, Carla has co-coordinated faith formation experiences for youth and supported their spiritual growth through programs and events, including pilgrimages to World Youth Day.

As Religious Education Coordinator, Carla is focused on inspiring the St John’s community to become cultural agents in light of the Gospel and authentic witnesses to the mission of Jesus Christ. She is passionate about encouraging and guiding individuals to live out their lives as Christians, embodying faith, compassion, and service in their daily actions and interactions.

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.