John Visentin has been Principal of John Paul College since 2017 and holds overall responsibility and delegated authority for all aspects of the College’s operations. He is a passionate and experienced educator who believes deeply in the role of schools in preparing young people to adapt, contribute and flourish in a rapidly changing world.
John has held senior roles in Catholic and Independent schools across Tasmania, Victoria and Somerset, UK, including Deputy Principal positions at Salesian College, Chadstone and Dominic College, Hobart. His experience spans leadership of learning, wellbeing, culture and community engagement.
John’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Tasmania, a Master of Educational Leadership from ACU, and further study in the Master of Education and Theology program at the University of Divinity.
John is committed to leading a welcoming, inclusive and future-focused school community. He aspires to foster a culture of curiosity, shared responsibility and continuous improvement, where every learner is supported to thrive academically, socially and personally.
Michael O’Keeffe is the Deputy Principal – Learning and Innovation at John Paul College. He leads the College’s learning vision, pedagogical frameworks and innovation agenda, with a focus on strengthening teacher capability and ensuring students experience clear, consistent and engaging learning across Years 7 to 12.
With more than 25 years of experience in Catholic education, Michael has held a range of senior roles including Director of College and Community Engagement, Head of Learning and Director of Co-Curriculum. A drama teacher by background, he brings a creative and collaborative approach to leadership, culture and school improvement.
Michael’s leadership is underpinned by extensive formal study. He holds a Master of Education (Administration), a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership, a Graduate Diploma of Education, a Bachelor of Arts and the Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School.
Michael is committed to leading a school environment where both students and staff flourish. He believes that shared routines, strong relationships and purposeful innovation are essential in creating a culture where learning thrives and teachers feel supported in their professional growth.
Craig Judkins is currently the Deputy Principal – Students and Engagement and has been at the College for 18 years. He leads the College’s wellbeing and engagement visions which incorporate all aspects of student management with a focus on supporting young people to navigate the complexities of school and enabling them to achieve their very best.
Craig has worked within Catholic education for more than 30 years and has held a range of leadership positions at John Paul College and his previous school including, Director of Organisation, Head of Arts, OHS Coordinator, Professional Learning Coordinator and Director of Music. Craig has served as Acting Principal on several occasions. As an experienced and active musician, Craig overlays a creative approach to his leadership with a focus on teamwork, high performance, attention to detail and a willingness to embrace the uncomfortable.
Craig believes strongly in the importance of faith and faith formation and helps lead the faith community through service to others – modelling faith in action. A member of the St Thomas More Parish, Craig contributes through reading and providing music at Mass. Giving back to the parish is very important to Craig.
Craig’s leadership and knowledge has been shaped through both experience and formal study. Craig holds a Bachelor of Music, a Diploma of Education, a Diploma of Theology and a Masters of International Education Policy. He has served on the School Advisory Council for four years and is currently the Treasurer and Executive Member of the Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools Deputy Principal Association (VCSSDPA).
Craig has a deep commitment to John Paul College and strives to build strong connections with students, families and staff. Craig strives to contribute to a school culture where success is an individualised concept and where every student has the opportunity to flourish.
As Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission, Zoe leads and coordinates the College’s Catholic identity strategic vision, encompassing the liturgical and prayer life of the school, social justice and outreach initiatives, and the spiritual formation of both students and staff. Her work ensures that the College’s Catholic mission is expressed authentically, meaningfully and consistently across all year levels. She works in close partnership with the Learning Area Leader – Religious Education to support a curriculum that is life‑giving, contemporary, excellent and deeply rooted in faith.
Zoe brings extensive experience in Catholic education, shaped by leadership roles across Wellbeing, Curriculum and Faith. Her work has been grounded in accompanying young people toward a deep sense of purpose, community and compassion, while empowering staff to grow confidently in their own leadership and spiritual formation.
Zoe has completed a Master of Educational Leadership and a Master of Religious Education through the Australian Catholic University, along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Curriculum Leadership from the University of Melbourne. She also holds a Diploma of Secondary Education from Monash University and a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) from the University of Ballarat (Arts Academy).
Her leadership is guided by a commitment to relational trust, courageous compassion and the belief that schools are transformational places. Zoe aspires to cultivate environments where every person is known, valued and supported to flourish, contributing to a culture shaped by faith, hope, love and justice.
Kylie Oddy is an experienced HR professional driven by a passion for creating positive, thriving workplace cultures. As Director of People and Culture at John Paul College, Kylie brings extensive experience across education, professional services, and recruitment, with expertise in talent acquisition, risk and compliance, and employee relations. During her career she has led strategic HR initiatives, implemented wellbeing programs, and driving organisational change that empowers people to succeed.
Holding a reputation for building strong relationships and fostering collaboration, Kylie combines expertise with empathy to deliver meaningful outcomes for both employees and organisations. Beyond her professional achievements, Kylie values integrity, growth, and the power of connection - principles that guide her work every day.
Ella McConnell is the Director of Inclusion and Wellbeing at John Paul College, leading a multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive and thriving learning environment. Her team includes Learning Diversity teachers, Learning Support Officers, an Engagement Teacher, Counsellors, Wellbeing Assistants, a Cultural Liaison, the Gifted and Talented Coordinator and administrative support. Together, they work in partnership with students, families and staff to provide targeted, relational and holistic support that upholds each learner’s dignity and potential.
Ella brings more than 20 years of experience as a secondary teacher, educational leader and consultant across a range of settings, sectors and industries. She has specialised in inclusion, diversity, wellbeing and safeguarding, with a particular focus on designing equitable learning environments and driving the systemic change needed to strengthen student engagement and success.
Ella’s leadership is underpinned by extensive professional study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Organisational Leadership, as well as a Professional Certificate in Leadership Coaching and credentials from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ella is guided by the belief that every student is capable of excellence. Her commitment is to foster learning environments that affirm identity, nurture wellbeing and unlock potential. She is passionate about building collaborative cultures where diversity is celebrated and every learner - and every member of her team - feels seen, supported and empowered to thrive.
Anthony Bucca is the Director of College Operations at John Paul College, overseeing the systems and structures that enable high-quality learning and wellbeing across Years 7 to 12. His portfolio includes timetabling, class coverage, the College calendar and meeting schedules, along with approvals for activities, camps and excursions. Anthony’s work centres on equity for staff and ensuring teachers are supported by efficient, reliable processes that allow them to focus on collaboration, planning and exceptional learning and teaching.
Anthony has more than 10 years of experience in Catholic education and over six years in organisational leadership, including four years as Daily Organiser. Trained as a science educator specialising in Biology, he has also developed a strong interest in Mathematics and in supporting teams to embed coherent routines that help learning flourish.
Anthony’s leadership is supported by ongoing professional study. He holds a Master of Secondary Education (Biology/Science) and is currently completing a Master of Educational Leadership at Australian Catholic University.
Anthony is committed to building a school culture characterised by strong relationships, clear communication and purposeful systems. He aspires to create an environment where staff feel supported in their work and students learn with clarity, confidence and consistency.