The Leadership at RJ is
Passionate, Committed and Trustworthy
Our Principal, Mr Alan Dawson (MEdLead, MMusStud, BMus, BA, AdvDipChristianMin&BibStudies) brings extensive experience in public and independent schools across Queensland and New South Wales to RJ. Joining the RJ community in 2017 as Deputy Principal, he became Principal in 2021.
Mr Dawson is dedicated to ensuring that every RJ student succeeds, growing into confident and meaningful contributors to society. He believes RJ students are distinguished by being:
- Courteous and Kind
- Courageous
- Resourceful
- Connected
- Reflective
- Critical and Creative Thinkers
- Positive Contributors
- Willing Learners.
An RJ education is a worthwhile investment, yielding lifelong benefits for graduates.
As a Christian Educator, Mr Dawson understands the power of positive messages of hope and personal value in nurturing young people to reach their full potential.
When you meet Mr Dawson, you will be impressed by his passion for the RJ community, his genuine affection for the students, and his delight in seeing them mature into young adults.
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 joined the RJ community in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience as a Mathematics teacher and leader in independent K-12 schools to RJ. Mr Roby is an inspiring and dedicated leader with a deep care for staff and students. His previous roles include Head of House, Middle School Pastoral Care Leader, Assistant Head of Secondary, and Executive Dean of Students (10-12). Mr Roby believes in the power of uniting people under a common cause, fostering shared language, and building a strong community identity.
MR BRAD MAXWELL, HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
BAppSc (Econ&Geo)(Hons), GradDipSecEd, MEdLeadership
Mr Maxwell began teaching at the Anglican Schools Corporation in 2004 after seven years in corporate training and education. He joined the RJ community in 2016 as the Director of Secondary Welfare. Mr Maxwell is dedicated to helping, encouraging, and supporting 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 champions our Building Learning Power framework.
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 as the Operations Manager. Mrs Ghali oversees the operational aspect of the College, including property, finance, marketing and risk management. 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.
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 College in the Junior School. 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 joined the College Council in 2023.
Miss Jacqueline Woods
B.Ed(Prim), BDiv, MTh
Miss Woods joined the College Council in 2024 and has been involved in different roles within Education over the past 17 years. She has received formal training in Primary Education, Theology and Chaplaincy. Jacqueline is passionate about working in schools and is currently working as a School Chaplain with Scripture Union as well as a Primary School Teacher.
Mr Andrew Clachers
LLB (Hons), GDLP
Mr Clachers is a lawyer with extensive experience in not-for-profit law and governance. Mr Clachers is married to Jen and they have 4 children. Mr Clachers is passionate about Christian education, and his three school-aged children attend RJ. Mr Clachers joined the College Council in 2024.
Mr Elon Chiu
BCom, CA, (ex-officio)
Mr Chiu is the College'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.