The power of showing up–celebrating Jessica Lusk this International Women’s Day

Jessica Lusk is one woman to celebrate this International Women’s Day (8 March)! 

The former St John’s College, Nambour student spent 14 years working at her childhood College before moving to Unity College, Caloundra West two years ago.

Jessica now brings 16 years’ teaching experience to her new role as Head of College (Secondary) at Unity College in 2026.

In this Q&A Jessica shares what matters most to her as a leader: relationships, recognising the good in others, and the power of showing up for her students!

Q: What drew you to this role at Unity College?

A: What drew me to the Head of College role at Unity College was its clear commitment to whole-person education and connections to the community. The position offered the opportunity to foster strong relationships, build meaningful connections, and guide students to grow not only as learners, but as people of character. Being part of a community that intentionally sends thoughtful, compassionate, and grounded young adults into the world strongly aligned with what has always been my core educational goal.

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

In every school I have worked one practice remains important to me, and that is the act of gratitude. 

By intentionally recognising what others contribute, students, staff, and families, we affirm that people matter and create space for growth and opportunity. 

There is no shortage of opportunity at Unity College, from pathway options to co-curricular life, and this has been built by a community that values developing the whole person. I often challenge students to consider how they can be the best part of someone else's day, so they learn it is the little moments that matter and their place in building a positive school environment.

Q: How do you like to connect with students?

A: Learning our young people's stories is always important to me. I believe shared experiences are a powerful foundation for connection and belonging. This happens authentically when you get involved and are present for their acts of service, performances on stage, or academic endeavours.

I also love coaching and managing as many school teams as possible, including netball, rugby, basketball, water polo and whatever else young people want to be involved in. When people learn, serve, struggle, or celebrate together, trust is built and relationships are strengthened. 

In schools, these shared moments create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and connected to something larger than themselves. The skills developed through these opportunities remain essential to their wellbeing in life beyond school.

Q: What are your hobbies or interests outside of work and how do you share these with your students and community?  

A: I love music, sport, books, being surrounded by beaches, and as a mum of four children, I have had many opportunities to delight in these life-long passions with my own children. What matters most to me though is being grateful for the opportunities we have. This is my hope for our students and our community: to be present to and grateful for the opportunities we have every day.  

Q: What is your favourite way to celebrate student achievements? 

A: Student achievement and success look different and needs to look different for every young person. I don't have a favourite way, but I love finding many ways to let someone know they are seen and valued. 

For me personally, I love to celebrate ‘the good’ someone does when they think no one is watching. 

They could be picking up rubbish or tidying the room for the teacher, they could be cooking the BBQ and staying back to clean up when others have left, or they could be watching a peer perform on stage and celebrating their success. This is all 'achieving' and I try to make an effort to recognise not just what students do, but how they do it.

 For more information about Unity College, Caloundra West or to enrol click here.

 Image caption: Unity College Head of College (Secondary) Jessica Lusk with students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Unity College, Caloundra West (2026).