His college was the only school among 17 Victorian employers recognised for its support of the Australian Defence Force and its reservist employees.

While managements have to allow their military employees to leave when necessary, Mr Moore has offered ongoing support to the school's chaplain, Marcus Allcot, who is also a chaplain in the ADF.

"I believe any staff member at the school is going to be more highly performing if they've got a rewarding and fulfilling personal life," Mr Moore said.

"Kids gravitate to Marcus because he's of interest to them. Kids want role models, someone to see and look up to, so to have a role model with this stature in the school with this level of interest and uptake in the defence force, that's positive."

Mr Allcot said: "We [chaplains] are the principal welfare morale officers. We not only conduct the religious side of things, but we're also the [provider of] care and pastoral support for all members, regardless of rank.

''Our job really is to journey with soldiers, look after them when there's problems at home, problems they might be experiencing within the military life or civilian life as well.

''I'm also a chaplain at this school, accredited by Access Ministries, and my job here is to be one of the well-being co-ordinators, pastorally caring for all students, staff and parents."

Mr Allcot was enlisted in the military in 2005 when he was 28. He was commissioned as an officer two years ago to be a chaplain.

"Some of the training I've received from the defence force is actually recognised by the civilian world ... so it actually feeds back in to student well-being."

Principal Mr Moore received the Defence Reserves Supportive Employer award.