Why is a Unity College education unique? Let’s find out!

As Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) only Prep to Year 12 ecumenical college, Unity College brings together diverse Christian traditions to foster a welcoming community where students are supported to grow academically, spiritually and socially. 

To mark BCE Open Week (27 April to 3 May), we spoke with Unity College’s newly appointed Head of College, Nicole de Vries about what drew her to the College, what shapes her approach to leadership, and what sets a Unity College education apart! 

Q: What drew you to the role of Head of College at Unity College?

A: I was drawn to this role at Unity College, Caloundra because of its identity as an Ecumenical Prep to Year 12 College and the unique opportunity this provides to support young people throughout their entire schooling journey. The continuity of learning, wellbeing, and relationships across all phases of schooling creates a powerful sense of belonging and shared responsibility for student growth. 

Unity’s ecumenical principles, solidarity of purpose, dialogue in practice, and inclusion deeply resonate with my own educational values. They foster collaboration, respectful engagement, and a commitment to ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and known. 

What makes Unity College particularly special is the way faith sits at the heart of this work. Faith guides students not only academically, but morally and socially, encouraging compassion, purpose, and a sense of responsibility beyond themselves. It provides strength and hope in both celebrations and challenges, nurturing resilience and connection within the community. 

I also felt drawn to Unity College’s reputation for highly professional, dedicated, and collegial staff who work together with a shared moral purpose. The opportunity to contribute to a community that prioritises inclusivity, authentic relationships, and excellence across all stages of schooling is a key reason I was motivated to seek this role. 

Q: What inspires you in your new role as Head of College? 

A: What inspires me most in the role of Head of College is the privilege of serving and supporting an entire school community, students, staff, and families, and working collectively to ensure every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.  

The role provides a unique opportunity to positively influence the lives of young people while also nurturing, guiding, and supporting staff in their professional growth.  

I am inspired by the opportunity to serve the wider community, to listen deeply to what is needed, and to thoughtfully pivot and respond in ways that best meet the evolving needs of students and families. Building a strong school community grounded in mutual respect, trust, and collaboration is central to my leadership approach. I believe that when a school community works together with a shared sense of purpose, respect for one another, and a commitment to collective responsibility, positive outcomes for students naturally follow. Leading a school where relationships are prioritised and everyone is working together for the common good, is what continually motivates and inspires me as a school leader. 

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

A: From the age of ten, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, inspired by the positive influence of my own primary school teachers. Their impact on my learning and wellbeing shaped my aspiration to become a primary school teacher who could similarly inspire and positively influence young people. 

My leadership journey has been inspired by the belief and trust shown in me by other school leaders. Every leadership role I have undertaken has come about because someone saw potential in me and encouraged me to step forward, take on new challenges, and grow beyond my comfort zone. Through their support, guidance, and confidence in my abilities, I have come to understand the powerful impact leaders can have on others.  

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

A: Outside of work, netball has been a long‑standing passion of mine. I have been involved in the sport from a young age and have continued to play into adulthood, valuing the teamwork, discipline, and sense of belonging that netball fosters.  

More recently, this passion has extended to supporting my daughter through her involvement in netball and taking on coaching roles, which has further strengthened my appreciation for the positive impact sport can have on young people’s confidence, resilience, and wellbeing. I enjoy sharing this passion with students and the wider community by advocating for participation in sport and modelling a balanced approach to wellbeing.

At Unity College, netball is a sport we actively support and encourage, providing students with opportunities to engage, connect, and represent their school. I value the way sport, particularly netball, strengthens community connections and aligns with Unity’s commitment to inclusion, teamwork, and holistic student development. 

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

 A: One quote that strongly guides my leadership is Saint Mary MacKillop’s, ‘never see a need without doing something about it.’ This way of living and leading deeply resonates with me and influences how I respond to the needs of students, staff, and families. It inspires me to act with intention, compassion, and purpose, always considering the impact of my actions on others.

For me, this means not walking past challenges or concerns, but instead taking the time to listen, reflect, and respond in ways that are thoughtful and respectful.

Saint Mary MacKillop’s example reminds me that leadership is about service and responsibility, recognising where support is needed and having the courage to be part of the solution. It encourages me to model for others that we can be the change in our world by taking action, working together, and responding with care to the needs of our community.  

Q: How do you hope to be remembered by the students and staff you’ve led? 

A: I hope to be remembered by the students and staff I’ve led as someone who genuinely listened, cared deeply, and believed in the potential of every individual. It is important to me that students feel heard, supported, and valued, knowing that their voices matter and that they are safe to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations.

I would like students to be inspired to understand that doing good and making positive choices extends beyond what benefits them personally, and that we each have a responsibility to support and uplift others within our community.  

I hope children remember me as someone who encouraged them to speak out and stand up for what they believe in, doing so in ways that are respectful, compassionate, and mindful of others. Most of all, I would like students to say, “Mrs de Vries believed in me,” and to know that I encouraged them to be the best version of themselves…confident, kind, and guided by a strong sense of purpose. 

Discover the Unity College difference! 

Parents/carers and future scholars are warmly invited to meet the Head of College and Principal and take a tour of their Prep to Year 12 campus at their Open Day event on Wednesday, 29 April. 

Don’t miss your chance to take a sneak peek beyond the school gates, for more information about Unity College, Caloundra West and their Open Day click here. 

Did you know?

Unity College is an ecumenical college, owned and administrated by BCE but established as a partnership between the Catholic and Uniting Churches of Caloundra. All students from different faith traditions are welcomed to attend! 

Looking for the right school for your child on the Sunshine Coast? Click here. 

Image caption: Head of College, Nicole de Vries with Year 6 students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Unity College, Caloundra West (2026).