Leading the Way: John XXIII College 2026 Leaders Announced

John XXIII College is proud to announce its 2026 Student Leadership Team - a group of passionate, capable, and community-minded residents ready to lead the College into a new year of growth, connection, and achievement.

At the head of the Residential Association, Penny Friend takes on the role of President, joined by Ali Seal as Vice President and Matthew Callaghan as Secretary. Together, they will guide a dynamic committee dedicated to enhancing College life across all areas, from sport and social events to arts, music, and community engagement.

Supporting them are a talented team of portfolio leaders:

Social Representatives: Matilda Barons and Oscar Veitch

Sports Representatives: Ed Gall, James Ritchie, Julia Burge, and Neve O’Callaghan

Music Representative: Charlie Doggett

Arts Representative: Jed Katekar

Complementing the Residential Association are Head Senior Residents James Collier and Laura Penning, leading a team of Senior Residents who will play a vital role in supporting students’ wellbeing and fostering an inclusive and respectful College culture. The 2026 Senior Resident cohort includes Ellie Austin, Lucia Maughan, Sofia Paris, Laura Flack, Jasmyn Bull, Maddie Griffiths, Alex Perry-Dalton, Natalie Smyth, Sophia Rickard-Bell, Saskia Clifford, Cam Tregaskis, Ollie Moore, Jack Hearne, Felix Wood, Tom Handbury, and Lachlan Simmonds.

The College’s academic culture will be championed by Head Academic Mentors Jack Levinson and Harriet Hughes, who will lead a dedicated team of Academic Mentors - Josh Riddle, Ned Brown, Louis Ross, Freya McKinley-Rowe, Zara Sweetman, Hamish Hammerton, and Maggie Anderson - providing guidance and support to help students achieve their academic goals.

Continuing the College’s strong commitment to service and social responsibility, Scarlett Edyvean has been appointed Charity Advocate, leading initiatives that connect John XXIII College with the broader Canberra community through meaningful charitable engagement.

The Student Representative Council - Poppi Sheridan, Eva Kenwood, Zoe Paul, Sophie Paton, Charlie Mitchell, Matthew Kernohan, and Drew Dormand - will ensure the student voice remains central to College decision-making.

Rounding out the leadership team, Communications Officers Julian Papichio and Olivia Larcombe will help share the College’s stories, celebrate achievements, and strengthen the sense of community across digital platforms.