BCE appoints 19 new school leaders ahead of 2026 school year

As almost 80,000 students walk through the gates of Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools to begin the 2026 school year, BCE is also proud to welcome 15 new Principals and four new Heads of College and Campus. 

Whether leading small regional schools or large metropolitan campuses across South East Queensland, BCE Principals play a pivotal role in shaping welcoming learning environments across its 146 schools.  

BCE welcomes the following school leaders into the following roles - 

• Russell Davey, Principal St Peter’s Primary School, Caboolture, 

• Alison Gilbert, Principal St Mary’s College, Ipswich, 

• Sarah McCarthy, Principal St Patrick's Primary School, Nanango, 

• Paul Easton, Principal St Joseph’s College, Coomera,  

• Reagen Collier, Head of College (Primary) Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay, 

• Nathan Haley, Principal Sacred Heart Primary School, Booval, 

• Nick Fogarty, Principal St Columba’s Primary School, Wilston, 

• Jessica Lusk, Head of College (Secondary) Unity College, Caloundra, 

• Nicole de Vries, Head of College (Primary) Unity College, Caloundra West, 

• Andrea Hickey, Head of Campus (Year 7-12) St Francis College, Crestmead, 

• Conor Finn, Head of College (Secondary) Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough, 

• Bernadette Wright, Principal Christ the King School, Graceville, 

• Carol Seagar, Principal St Joseph’s Primary School, Bardon, 

• Gavan Minz, Principal St Mary’s Primary School, Laidley, 

• Clare Hogan, Principal Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Gatton, 

• John Christie, Principal Marymount College, Burleigh Waters, 

• Charles Brauer, Principal St Peter Claver College, Riverview, 

• Duncan Maitland, Principal St William’s School, Grovely, 

• Therese Redgwell, Principal Holy Spirit Primary School, Indooroopilly. 

Principal Paul Easton said he felt called to the role at St Joseph’s College.

“When the Acting Principal position came up in Term 1 2025, I knew it was what I had spent the last 20 years preparing to do,” he said.

“I could see all the wonderful people around me and thought if we rolled up our sleeves and worked together, we could create something very special here.

“That’s what we are doing as a team and as a community.”

Principal Alison Gilbert said she felt drawn to St Mary’s College’s strong and vibrant community, “full of life and connection”.

“I hope to contribute through my presence, open dialogue and genuine engagement with all members of the College and the wider Ipswich community,” she said.

“Community is built through relationships, and I am looking forward to continuing to build those strong and positive connections every day.”

As these leaders commence their first term as principals, BCE extends its warmest welcome and deepest gratitude.

Their readiness to lead their communities with compassion and with a heart for Catholic education marks an exciting new chapter for their schools.

These 19 school leaders begin their roles at a time of continued investment in the future of Catholic education, with new schools opening, enrolments growing, and a $300 million infrastructure program strengthening learning environments for families across South East Queensland.

Image caption: BCE is also proud to welcome 15 new Principals and four new Heads of College and Campus. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).