Nick Fogarty turns new page in St Columba’s Primary School history

This new school year is shaping up to be a real page turner for the St Columba’s Primary School community. 

The Wilston school has not only unveiled its long-awaited library extension in Term 1 but is also welcoming Nick Fogarty as the school’s new Principal.  

In this Q&A Nick shares his hopes and dreams for the new school year as this exciting new chapter begins! 

Q: What are you most excited about in your new role?

A: Our students have been eagerly awaiting the extended library space, which we were able to unveil in February after two years of planning and construction. 

I can confidently say the new library is a real page turner! it’s a fantastic learning space for all students to use and enjoy. 

The now completed works include a much larger library, a brand-new STEM lab, and flexible furniture that allows for collaborative learning, new STEM lab, and flexible furniture that will help students curl up with curiosity and flip open new worlds. 

The space will enhance the teaching and learning and support a number of different programs we run at our school, such as STEM, Robotics, Tournament of the Minds, and our Lunchtime Clubs. 

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in 2026?

A: I want to keep working on what was established last year around the culture and climate of the school. There were a number of new initiatives introduced in 2025, including our Lunch Time Clubs, Before School Activities and FAST Friday Arts, Sport and Technology, which we have expanded on this year.  

We have also introduced a well-being teacher, who has been well received by the school and community. 

Q: How will you foster a strong community in your new role?  

A: I think being present and visible around the school goes a long way. It gives me the opportunity to connect with students and provides parents with an easy way to come and see me about things they might have questions about. Setting clear expectations also goes a long way in setting a school and community up for success. 

Q: What do you hope to accomplish at your new school that will leave a lasting impact?  

A: I hope that all our students, when they finish their schooling, have the confidence and self-belief to take risks in trying to reach their goals.  

Q: Do you have any traditions or practices for creating a positive school environment? 

A: Being consistent with how I lead is important, having clear expectations across the school for students, staff and the community, creates a positive culture where all stakeholders know their roles and responsibilities and how to act. This then creates a climate where people feel included, valued and respected. 

Q: Who or what inspired you to take on this leadership journey?   

A: My grandfather and dad were both principals and my mum was also an Assistant Principal, so there might be something in that.  

I was lucky growing up that my parents taught my brother and me lots of life lessons on how to interact justly and fairly with people. What to do, and how to think before you make decisions, how to impact those around you, and what you need to do if you make a mistake or things don’t go as planned. 

Q: Do you have an inspiring quote or phrase you use in your interactions as a leader? 

A: I have three that I remember almost every day.  

1. “What you allow is what will continue.” 

This is a really important one for leaders. You need to have the strength of character to make changes to things that are not right, or don’t align with the expectations of the school and community.  

2. The next one is, “it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” 

I feel this is a really important quote and does go a long way in establishing a positive school culture. 

3. Finally, “there are two pains we must all face in life, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” 

I constantly remind myself of this quote when I don’t want to do something, but I know it’s the right thing to do.  

Open Week 2026

Discover the St Columba’s Primary School difference! Parents and carers of future scholars are invited to St Columba’s Primary School’s parent tours on 28 April at both 8.30am and 6pm. 

Don’t miss your chance to take a sneak peek beyond the school gates and discover more about St Columba’s Primary School, Wilston today! Click here. 

Want to know more about what makes a BCE school special? Explore Catholic schools in Brisbane today, click here.

Image caption: St Columba's Primary School, Wilston Principal Nick Fogarty and students in their brand new extended library space. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Columba's Primary School, Wilston (2026).