Monday 31 March 2025
For more than 16 years, John Russell has dedicated his career to ensuring that young people who have struggled in mainstream education are given an opportunity to learn and thrive. As the foundation Principal of Doxa School Bendigo, John played a critical role in establishing a flexible and supportive learning environment for students at risk of disengaging from education.
In recognition of his leadership and commitment, John was recently awarded the Bishop Joseph Grech Award for Senior Leadership - one of the most significant honours in Catholic education in the Sandhurst Diocese.
“I’m really proud to receive this in Bishop Joe’s name. He was a special man,” says John.
At an award ceremony held at Doxa School Bendigo, Catholic Education Sandhurst Executive Director Kate Fogarty, explained the importance of the award.
“It’s the most significant award that we offer here in Sandhurst. Only two people have ever received it; the first being Philomena Billington, who was the first female Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, and now John Russell,” says Kate.
Pictured: John with Catholic Education Executive Director Kate Fogarty and Assistant Director: School Improvement and Safeguarding, Ashley Marsh.
Named in honour of Bishop Joseph Grech, the award recognises senior leaders who have made a lasting impact on education. Bishop Grech, who passed away while still serving as Bishop, was known for his warmth, compassion, and deep commitment to supporting students who struggled within traditional school settings.
“The idea of the Bishop Joe Award is that it’s for senior leaders, people who have made a really big impact on education, not just in the school they’re in at that time, but the ones that they’ve worked across their whole lives, and that’s why John received it,” says Kate.
John was instrumental in establishing Doxa School Bendigo as a Catholic Flexible Learning Setting in 2006. The school was developed to provide alternative education pathways for young people who, for a range of reasons, were unable to thrive in mainstream schooling.
John’s work in developing the “Doxa model” ensured that students received consistent support from staff, allowing them to engage with their education in a safe and structured environment. His leadership helped establish Doxa as a widely respected alternative education provider, with a highly developed educational philosophy, fit-for-purpose learning programs, and a dedicated teaching staff.
Over the years, more than 400 students have passed through the school, each given an opportunity to complete their education and work towards a positive future.
Pictured: John celebrated the award with his wife, daughter and grandchildren.
On receiving the award, John reflected on his connection to Bishop Grech and the school’s founding mission.
“I don’t feel necessarily deserving of this, but I’m really honoured. Bishop Joe was a friend of mine, and he was a great friend of this school. He was one of the people that actually worked very hard to establish Doxa School in Bendigo. We used to see a lot of him here over the journey,” says John.
“He really believed that it is the work of our church, the Catholic Church, to work in this space with the young people that struggle to fit into their mainstream schools, where education is a real challenge. He really believed that we needed to provide something where the students at this school felt safe, they felt like they belonged, and they had an opportunity to access learning.”
John’s impact as a leader extends far beyond the walls of Doxa School Bendigo. During the award ceremony, Ashley Marsh, CES Assistant Director: School Improvement and Safeguarding, read out reflections from staff and students that had been submitted as part of the award nomination.
“John is always, a highly relational leader who earned the respect of the many students in his care. In his last appraisal as a principal, John was described by staff and students as authentic, compassionate, approachable, even-tempered, level-headed, a people-focused and visible leader.”
One reflection summed up his leadership succinctly:
“John doesn’t work in the school - he lives the mission of Catholic education in the school.”
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