Newly commissioned principal aims to guide students to faith-filled, passionate contributors
10 October 2023
In a joyous and uplifting ceremony, the John XXIII College Mt Claremont community last week, witnessed the commissioning of its new principal, Daniel Mahon, alongside the blessing of the College’s new buildings and playground by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.
‘On behalf of the members of the clergy and staff at the Archdiocese of Perth, it is with great pleasure that I welcome Daniel Mahon to our Catholic community,’ Archbishop Costelloe said.
‘Mr Mahon brings with him a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to Catholic co-educational excellence, and his appointment follows an extensive national recruitment process that I had the privilege of being a part of, in consultation with Catholic Education WA Ltd, Loreto Ministries Ltd, Jesuit Education Australia Ltd, and the college’s council.’
Prior to his appointment, Mr Mahon served as Deputy Principal K-12 at Loreto Kirribilli, a prestigious Catholic independent all-girls’ K-12 school in Sydney, for the past six years.
Mr Mahon’s commitment to Catholic education is unwavering, and he has a deep affinity for Ignatian spirituality, which echoes the school’s faith focus on bringing each student to an awareness of God’s presence in all things.
‘It is particularly important to me to provide education in a faith that seeks justice,’ said Mr Mahon.
‘Most important for me, though, is my deep respect for the dignity of all people and the importance of seeing God in all things.’
‘I am driven to ensure that my students graduate as faith-filled passionate contributors to their communities who, when confronted with the need to answer difficult questions and face life’s inevitable challenges, do so well-informed by the Catholic values they have learnt during their excellent Catholic education.’
The day commenced with a Celebration of the Eucharist in John XXIII’s St Louis Sports Centre.
Archbishop Costelloe presided over the Mass, and during the Eucharist, the Archbishop commissioned Mr Mahon as the new principal of John XXIII College.
As a symbol of leadership in faith, Mr Mahon was presented with a Bible by Archbishop Costelloe, followed by a blessing. Archbishop Costelloe then blessed the new administration building, dedicating it to all those who contribute to the education of the College’s students.
‘It gives me great pleasure to bless these new spaces today; they have been borne out of creativity, thought, planning – and much waiting!’ said Archbishop Costelloe.
‘Let’s ask our loving God to bless these special places, which will support our young people with new, positive challenges and provide opportunities for sharing friendships and kind, joyful memories throughout their educational journey.
‘Let us also give thanks to all the parents and teachers here who continually show their love for our young people by supporting a valued education across all facets of life – including in the arts, in academia, in sport and importantly, in faith.’
