John Paul College has been part of Saskia Pietrobon’s life as a student, teacher and parent.
She graduated from the Daisy Hill school in 1990, joined its staff 28 years ago and later sent her own children there.
Her son Harris completed Year 12 last year, while her daughter Bella is still a student.
“My connection to JPC goes back further than my career; I’m an alumnus of the College,” Mrs Pietrobon said.
“I sat in these classrooms as a student, and my own children have come through here too.
“Joining the staff 28 years ago was a natural fit; this place has shaped so many chapters of my life, and I wanted to be part of shaping that for other people’s children too.”
The school has now been named a 2026 5-Star Employer of Choice by education publication The Educator, extending a run of six consecutive years on the national list.
This year’s award was based partly on anonymous staff surveys covering areas including benefits, pay, workplace culture, professional development and inclusion.
Schools needed an average employee satisfaction rating of at least 75 per cent to receive 5-Star status.
Technology and resources was the highest-rated area among JPC employees.
The Educator’s profile of the school, which employs about 580 people, also highlighted several practical workplace measures.
John Paul College benchmarks salaries 4 per cent above Education Queensland rates and gives teachers a protected spare period each week which cannot be used for cover duties or other assignments.
Co-curricular pay rates increased by 25 per cent in 2025, while the school also offers paid parental leave, 12.75 per cent superannuation, staff development pathways and family support initiatives.
Principal Craig Merritt said the award was meaningful because staff themselves had a say in the result.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the lived experience of our people,” Mr Merritt said.
“At JPC, we believe exceptional schools are built by exceptional people.”
He said the school wanted staff to feel supported professionally and personally.
“We are proud to be a community where people are encouraged to grow professionally while also feeling genuinely known and cared for,” he said.
“Importantly, many of our staff choose to educate their own children at JPC, which speaks volumes about the trust they place in our community.”
Mrs Pietrobon is also among eight national finalists for the 2026 Primary School Teacher of the Year – Non-Government award.
She is now the school’s learning leader for Prep to Year 2.
Teacher and assistant head of year Amy Griffin said she hoped students would leave the school with more than academic results.
“My ambition is for students to leave JPC not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the character, resilience and interpersonal skills needed to thrive beyond school,” she said.
Teacher and Gifted and Talented Coordinator Joel Bonomini said the job was about helping students see what they could become.
“For me, ‘igniting ambition’ is showing students who they are really capable of being, believing with them in their ability to rise to that version of themselves, and then challenging them to make it happen.”
Mr Merritt said attracting and retaining good staff would remain a priority.
“The future of education depends on attracting, developing and retaining outstanding people,” he said.
“This recognition belongs to every member of our staff community whose passion, professionalism and care help shape the exceptional culture that exists at John Paul College.”
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