John Paul College has been awarded the status of Employer of Choice for the second consecutive year by The Educator, recognising our initiatives to create a positive and inspiring working environment for our staff and students. Key measures and evidence included low turnover rates and high rates of tenure and employee engagement.

Backing up from our 2021 Award, in 2022, the 5-Star Awards for Employers of Choice, The Educator handpicked John Paul College as one of only 18 schools that have gone above and beyond to support staff through an especially challenging time.

John Paul College Principal Ms Karen Spiller OAM CF acknowledged the contribution to all of the College's staff through recent challenges: from floods to the pandemic and the transition into ATAR in Queensland.

"Consecutive recognition as an employer of choice on the key employment measures during such times is a tremendous achievement and affirmati​​on for everyone in our community and their contribution to our students and their educational experience," said Karen Spiller.

"Our purpose at John Paul College is to educate, to inspire and to make a difference. We offer an extensive range of initiatives to support our people's personal and professional aspirations, and we do it in a way that aligns with our purpose."

"For example, we enable and support teachers to apply for external accreditation as Highly Accomplished or LEAD Teacher as well as provide financial support to those employees pursuing postgraduate qualifications by way of Masters study." Mrs Spiller said, "lifelong learning is essential for our teachers and is tremendous modelling to our students." 

Graham Toon, Director of HR at John Paul College, said a multitude of initiatives had been put in place to create an environment that staff members want to join and thrive in once they arrive. Mr Toon said, "The employment offering at John Paul College includes: industry-leading remuneration and benefits;  extensive professional development opportunities; support for career progression; and providing our people with the information, tools and technology they need to succeed. We unashamedly want the best people in our academic and co-curricular programs. Our Human Resource and Wellbeing initiatives are designed to attract, develop, recognise and retain the most inspiring and effective educators and professionals." 

Mr Toon said, "We also focus on future employees and community building. Our SOARING Scholarship Program for the final year of university teaching students is offered in partnership with QUT. It has provided invaluable personal and professional experiences for everyone involved, including our JPC students who benefit from access to the best and brightest future teachers."

In the College's 40th year, we are celebrating the vision of our founders to offer an outstanding holistic education to our students. More than 40 years ago, these expectations set the standard for excellence that remains today, and we look to building upon these foundations to promote a high performing culture in all we do.