Nick Pearson has been introduced as FCJ College’s Student Engagement Officer for 2026 to increase student engagement across the campus and beyond.

College Principal Joseph Mount explains that there’s been a need for this role for many years, ‘as a result of consistent student feedback’.

Pearson outlined that his new role aims to ‘make sure that everyone is involved… in everything’. His motivations surround strengthening students’ sense of belonging and creating more leadership opportunities. Pearson noticed ‘a gap’ between students and teachers upon his arrival and wanted to bridge this by being something of a middle ground.

Moving from the Gold Coast with his partner and son to pursue a Senior Coaching role at the Benalla Saints, Pearson’s experience is centred around sports. He says that ‘clubs and schools are similar’, where building connections and standards with young people matter. Through his experiences, he’s learnt the ‘little things’ matter most, and that it’s important to build a sense of pride in the community.

Pearson has already made an impact on the college, working on projects such as lunchtime sporting events, book clubs, and strengthening the connection between FCJ College and the broader community.

Principal Mount imparts that the role is expected to ‘increase engagement for students in companionship with one another in the hope of learning more about themselves’. 

There are big expectations regarding the impact this role will have on the FCJ College community. Principal Mount reflected, ‘If we can provide more opportunities for our students and staff to draw upon their strengths…we think our school will grow even healthier, stronger, and kinder citizens’. 

Pearson hopes that students and staff will strengthen their relationships and become more intertwined with the college community. ‘Maybe if we do my job well enough, I’ll become redundant.’

Mount makes it clear that the introduction of this role is just ‘one cog in the wheel of innovation’. Both Mount and Pearson share the hope of a future where students and staff can innovate and collaborate in an equal, unified setting.

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