John James was born on November 11th 1883. His father was an Anglican minister and when John James completed his BA degree in 1904 he converted to the Roman Catholic faith. His vision of education emphasised the dignity of each individual and the development of the whole person.

John James named the School after St. Gerard Majella (1726-1756). St. Gerard was born in southern Italy. He became a Redemptorist brother who dedicated his life to prayer and to helping others.

John James considered St. Gerard to be an obvious choice as patron saint of the School given the Saint’s belief in the value of each person as a unique creation of God, his respect for the dignity of each individual, and his belief that everything is within our power if we have faith in God, work hard and act courageously.