BCE marks International Women’s Day with uplift in women appointed to Principalship

As International Women’s Day (8 March) approaches, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is celebrating the appointment of 29 women to Principalship or Head of College/Campus roles over the past two years.  

The uplift in appointments reflects BCE’s sustained focus on developing future ready leaders and supporting women to step confidently into senior leadership roles. 

One of the key contributors to this progress has been BCE’s Women in Leadership program which aims to empower, inspire, and elevate aspiring female leaders across BCE’s 146 schools and seven offices across South East Queensland.

Since the program’s reimagining in 2024, the Women in Leadership Program has strengthened leadership pathways for female leaders and contributed to a growing pipeline of women prepared for leadership.

People and Culture Executive Cathy Heffernan said the program continues to play an important role in building a strong and sustainable pipeline of women prepared for leadership.

“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.

“Female principalship has increased from 33% in 2021 to 50% in 2026, reflecting a significant shift toward gender balance at the school level. 

“This momentum is also evident across our offices, where women now make up 64% of leadership roles, up from 48% in 2021. 

Together, these results demonstrate BCE’s commitment to building inclusive leadership pathways and strengthening gender equity across the organisation.”

Cathy said BCE will continue to elevate more women into leadership, recognising the vital role women play across education globally.

Notre Dame College, Bells Creek Head of College Jasmine Brown said the program was a pivotal experience that reshaped her understanding of leadership.

“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 likeminded 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.”

Since March 2024 the following educators have been appointed, with many having completed the Women in Leadership program:   

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

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

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

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

• Andrea Hickey, Head of Campus St Francis College, Crestmead,

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

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

• Clare Hogan, Principal Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Gatton, Renay Condon, Principal St Benedict’s Primary School, Mango Hill, 

• Louise Parry, Principal St Thomas More Primary School, Sunshine Beach,

• Amanda Steer, Principal St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, Ferny Grove

• Nadia Galetto, Head of College St Bonaventure’s College, Flagstone,

• Jo-Anne Boyle, Principal of Holy Spirit School, Bray Park,  

• Gabrielle Jansen, Principal of St Mary MacKillop Primary School, Birkdale,  

• Cheryl Bell, Principal of St Flannan’s Primary School, Zillmere,  

• Bianca Murphy, Principal of Holy Spirit School, New Farm.  

• Liesl Profke, Principal of St Clare’s Primary School, Yarrabilba,  

• Tracey-lee Cheesman, Principal of Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Acacia Ridge,  

• Veronica Wasiak, Principal of St Michael’s College, Merrimac,  

• Gemma Lovell, Principal of Mother Teresa Primary School, Ormeau,  

• Velma Erskine, Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, North Ipswich,  

• Megan Pidskalny, Head of Campus FisherONE Online Education, 

• Jasmine Brown, Head of College Notre Dame College, Bells Creek,

• Melissa Fallarino, Head of Campus Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough,

• Felicity Pryer, Principal of St Pius X School, Salisbury,  

• Lisa Atholwood, Head of Campus Emmaus College, Jimboomba,  

• Sharon Collins, Principal Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs,  

• Kate MacArthur, Principal of Our Lady of Assumption School, Enoggera,  

• Helen Boyes, Principal of St Paul’s School, Woodridge.

Image caption: St Joseph’s School, Bardon enters a new chapter this school year with the appointment of Carol Seagar as Principal. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Joseph's School, Bardon (2026).