Leadership Pathway Builds Early Skills At Redcliffe School

Redcliffe State High School is preparing Years 7 to 11 students for future school leadership through a program centred on teamwork, communication, school involvement and practical preparation.



Redcliffe Students Build Leadership Skills Early

Redcliffe State High School is helping younger students prepare for future leadership roles through its Leadership Aspirant Program.

The program supports students from Years 7 to 11 who want to become future school leaders. It gives them a structured way to learn about leadership before they reach formal senior roles, including the school’s Year 12 and Year 9 leadership groups.

Students involved in the program are encouraged to take part in school life, understand leadership responsibilities and build the skills needed to contribute within the school and wider community.

The program was developed after staff identified a need to prepare students earlier for leadership roles, responsibilities and application processes.

Students preparing for school leadership
Photo Credit: Redcliffe State High School

Practical Preparation Before Formal Roles

The first two terms focus on connection, previous leadership experiences, personal strengths, areas for improvement and teamwork.

In term three, the program moves into preparation for formal leadership opportunities. Students practise public speaking, work on CVs and prepare for interview questions.

They also take part in school activities, including parent-teacher interview nights and Friday fun days. These opportunities give students practical experience beyond the classroom while helping them understand what school leadership can involve.

Students also prepare materials that may support future leadership applications, including speeches and CVs.

Redcliffe Program Reaches Different Kinds Of Leaders

The program is also aimed at students who may already show leadership outside formal school positions.

Some students lead through sport or community involvement without holding recognised school leadership titles. The Leadership Aspirant Program gives those students a way to develop those skills within the school setting.

Students are expected to show they are willing to take on responsibility and contribute to activities connected with school leadership. The program presents leadership as a role built through preparation, teamwork and involvement, rather than a title alone.

Redcliffe students practising leadership skills
Photo Credit: Redcliffe State High School

Students Learn From Working Together

Students in the program have described teamwork as one of the main lessons.

Ayva Marsh said the program helped her understand the leadership qualities needed for the following year, including the value of working with others instead of taking on every task alone.

Daniel Tavake said learning about leadership qualities and the benefits of the role encouraged him to take part.

Eliza Wood said the program helped her understand the importance of working together and the stronger impact students can have as a group.

Jesse-James Schuster encouraged other students to join the program, while Michael Robinson described it as a worthwhile experience for students interested in becoming leaders.

School Culture Supports Student Pathways

Redcliffe State High School’s wider approach focuses on connection, learning, belonging and student pathways.

The school also has programs and activities linked to student growth, including Year 12 academic mentoring and the Reddi Rewards Program, which recognises positive student behaviour across year levels.



Within that setting, the Leadership Aspirant Program gives Redcliffe students another way to build confidence, practise communication and prepare for the responsibilities that come with school leadership.

Published 17-June-2026

Women Leading the Way in SEQ Catholic School Communities

Communities across South East Queensland are seeing more women step into the top jobs at their local Catholic schools, with a growing number of female educators appointed as principals and heads of college in recent years. As International Women’s Day approaches on 8 March, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) has highlighted the appointment of 29 women to principalship or head of college or campus roles over the past two years, reflecting a shift toward stronger female representation in school leadership.

From Graceville and Bardon to Mango Hill, Birkdale and Scarborough, these appointments are shaping the future of education in neighbourhoods across the region. For families, students and staff, it means welcoming experienced educators who will guide school communities through the next chapter of learning and growth.

BCE’s People and Culture Executive Cathy Heffernan said the appointments reflect a broader effort to support and prepare more women for leadership roles in schools.

“Since the program commenced, 38 per cent of participants have progressed into Head of College, Principal or BCE office leadership roles,” Ms Heffernan said.

“Beyond appointments, the program builds confidence, capability and connection, qualities that are essential for leadership in today’s educational landscape.”

Jessica Lusk, Head of College Unity College (Secondary), Caloundra West
Photo Credit: Supplied

Across BCE schools, female principalship has increased from 33 per cent in 2021 to 50 per cent in 2026. In BCE offices, women now make up 64 per cent of leadership roles, up from 48 per cent in 2021.

Many of the recently appointed leaders have participated in BCE’s Women in Leadership program, which was reimagined in 2024 to strengthen leadership pathways and build a pipeline of future-ready female leaders.

For educators like Notre Dame College, Bells Creek Head of College Jasmine Brown, the program has had a lasting impact.

“For me the program highlighted the importance of women actively supporting and advocating for one another,” she said.

“I also found the course an opportunity to connect with other like-minded women who shared the same aspirations for senior leadership.

“The impact of the program has endured well beyond its conclusion, particularly for me through the lasting professional relationships I have built.”

Jasmine Brown, Head of College Notre Dame College, Bells Creek
Photo Credit: Supplied

Since March 2024, a number of schools across South East Queensland have welcomed new female leaders, including appointments at St Mary’s College in Ipswich, St Patrick’s Primary School in Nanango, Unity College in Caloundra West, and St Francis College in Crestmead.

Other appointments span communities including Graceville, Bardon, Mango Hill, Ferny Grove, Birkdale, Zillmere, New Farm, Scarborough and Enoggera, where local school communities are now led by experienced educators committed to supporting students, families and staff.

For BCE, the growing number of women stepping into leadership roles reflects a commitment to creating inclusive leadership pathways and recognising the vital contribution women make to education and their communities.

As schools across the region celebrate International Women’s Day, these appointments highlight the strong role women continue to play in shaping the future of Catholic education across South East Queensland.

NamePositionSchoolSuburb
Alison GilbertPrincipalSt Mary’s CollegeIpswich
Sarah McCarthyPrincipalSt Patrick’s Primary SchoolNanango
Jessica LuskHead of College (Secondary)Unity CollegeCaloundra West
Nicole de VriesHead of College (Primary)Unity CollegeCaloundra West
Andrea HickeyHead of CampusSt Francis CollegeCrestmead
Bernadette WrightPrincipalChrist the King SchoolGraceville
Carol SeagarPrincipalSt Joseph’s SchoolBardon
Clare HoganPrincipalOur Lady of Good Counsel SchoolGatton
Renay CondonPrincipalSt Benedict’s Primary SchoolMango Hill
Louise ParryPrincipalSt Thomas More Primary SchoolSunshine Beach
Amanda SteerPrincipalSt Andrew’s Catholic Primary SchoolFerny Grove
Nadia GalettoHead of CollegeSt Bonaventure’s CollegeFlagstone
Jo-Anne BoylePrincipalHoly Spirit SchoolBray Park
Gabrielle JansenPrincipalSt Mary MacKillop Primary SchoolBirkdale
Cheryl BellPrincipalSt Flannan’s Primary SchoolZillmere
Bianca MurphyPrincipalHoly Spirit SchoolNew Farm
Liesl ProfkePrincipalSt Clare’s Primary SchoolYarrabilba
Tracey-lee CheesmanPrincipalOur Lady of Fatima Primary SchoolAcacia Ridge
Veronica WasiakPrincipalSt Michael’s CollegeMerrimac
Gemma LovellPrincipalMother Teresa Primary SchoolOrmeau
Velma ErskinePrincipalSt Joseph’s Primary SchoolNorth Ipswich
Megan PidskalnyHead of CampusFisherONE Online Education
Jasmine BrownHead of CollegeNotre Dame CollegeBells Creek
Melissa FallarinoHead of CampusSouthern Cross Catholic CollegeScarborough
Felicity PryerPrincipalSt Pius X SchoolSalisbury
Lisa AtholwoodHead of CampusEmmaus CollegeJimboomba
Sharon CollinsPrincipalSiena Catholic CollegeSippy Downs
Kate MacArthurPrincipalOur Lady of Assumption SchoolEnoggera
Helen BoyesPrincipalSt Paul’s SchoolWoodridge

Published 6-March-2026