A clear direction for Southern Cross Catholic College

Southern Cross Catholic College’s secondary campus has started the year under new leadership with a steady message for families: strong culture, clear expectations and a deliberate focus on student wellbeing.

Moreton Daily recently sat down with Head of Secondary Campus Dr Conor Finn and Assistant Principal – Students Conor Nesbitt to discuss their vision for the year ahead.

Dr Finn brings 25 years of experience across Catholic education in Australia and overseas, working in co-educational and single-sex settings. He said Southern Cross stood out for its sense of community.

“The opportunity here really spoke to me in terms of values and building connections, not only within the school but with the wider community,” Dr Finn said.

A clear improvement agenda

While his first weeks were spent listening and learning, Dr Finn arrived with a defined improvement plan built on three priorities: strengthening the college’s Catholic identity in the Lasallian tradition, embedding a structured and proactive approach to student wellbeing, and ensuring high-quality teaching and learning across the campus.

“My initial intention is to look, listen and learn, but I’ve gone in with a very clear school improvement agenda.”

At the centre of that plan is clarity around standards and behaviour.

“We’re very clear about what is and isn’t acceptable. We teach that explicitly and we hold students accountable.

“The reality is adolescents make mistakes, and we’ll work with them positively and proactively. But if patterns continue, we’re serious. There will be consequences.”

He frames the approach as culture-building rather than simply discipline. 

Celebration sits alongside expectation and aspiration. Staff are supported to model consistent standards, while students are challenged to aim higher academically and personally.

Dr Finn describes the current stage of the secondary campus as one of renewal and transition.

“It’s about building an authentic community based on clear values and strong relationships.”

A stronger focus on student wellbeing

A significant change this year is the creation of a new Assistant Principal – Students role, signalling a deliberate investment in student development and support. The position is held by Conor Nesbitt, who brings nearly 15 years of secondary education experience, including leadership roles in Brisbane and London.

Mr Nesbitt describes his philosophy simply: students should be safe, secure and successful.

“A strong pastoral care program means every student is known by their gifts and talents, but also by who they are,” Mr Nesbitt said.

The college is introducing a clearer, more structured approach to wellbeing education, covering respectful relationships, digital citizenship, anti-bullying and student safety. Through initiatives such as Safer Internet Day and small group mentoring, students are given practical tools to navigate an increasingly complex social environment.

“We’ll continue to teach students how to be safe online, how to report concerns and how to support one another.”

Working closely with families

Both leaders stress that families are central to that work.

“A really important partner in this is our parents and caregivers,” Dr Finn said.

“We want to work with them and build their capacity to support their young person to navigate what can be a really tricky space.”

As part of that proactive approach, the college will host a parent evening focused on raising good young men, led by facilitator David Jorna . The session is designed to support families in having constructive conversations around behaviour, relationships and positive models of masculinity.

Programs supporting young people

Alongside that initiative, programs such as Girls Night In provide opportunities for young women to engage with positive role models, reflect on respectful relationships and contribute to service initiatives within the wider community. Together, these programs reflect a broader commitment to shaping confident, respectful young adults grounded in the college’s values.

Student voice is also being strengthened, with mentoring and leadership opportunities encouraging connection across Years 7 to 12. The aim is to ensure every student feels known, supported and challenged to grow.

“We know it’s a complex time to be a young person,” Mr Nesbitt said.

As the year unfolds, the direction from the new leadership team is measured and deliberate. Clear expectations. Consistent standards. Strong partnership with parents. A commitment to renewal and transition grounded in respect, community and shared responsibility.

Open Week

Southern Cross Catholic College Secondary Campus will welcome prospective families on Wednesday 29 April as part of its Open Week. Families considering enrolment for Year 7 or other year levels are invited to attend, hear from leadership and tour the campus with student leaders.

For bookings and further information, visit the Southern Cross Catholic College website or contact the enrolments office.

This article is part of the Bright Futures: Schools Special Feature. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Southern Cross Catholic College and proudly endorsed by Moreton Daily. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Moreton Daily possible.