Final bell for BCE Principal Rick Sheehan who closes a 42-year chapter at BCE

After more than four decades with Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), including nine years as Principal of St Edward the Confessor School, Daisy Hill, Principal Rick Sheehan is preparing to step out of the classroom and into a well-earned retirement. 

With 42 years of dedicated service, including 32 as a Principal, Rick’s career has been one of lifelong learning, leadership and heartfelt connection with students, staff and families.

From his early days as a curious student in Toowoomba to leading vibrant school communities across Brisbane and Logan, Rick has truly shaped not only young minds but also the culture of the schools he has served. 

As Rick prepares to hang up the chalk and embrace a slower pace, he shares the lessons, memories and legacy he leaves behind.

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: I’ve always had a deep love of learning and a natural curiosity about the world around me. What really shaped that, though, were the teachers I had along the way, people who took the time to understand how I learnt and genuinely affirmed me.

My years at St Anthony’s School and later at St Mary’s College in Toowoomba were mostly joyful times, and those early experiences of being encouraged and supported stayed with me. They planted the seed for a lifelong commitment to education and love of learning, especially exploring ideas, which ultimately inspired me to become a teacher myself.

Q: How has schooling changed since your own time as a student?

A: There are so many simple but vivid memories. Walking to school, especially in summer, when afternoon thunderstorms would roll in, we’d take off our shoes and walk home barefoot, so they didn’t get soaked. In winter, Toowoomba mornings were filled with thick fog and mist, and by the time you arrived at school, your clothes were damp.

Wednesdays were sports days, and we had to wear white Dunlop shoes, the nuns even checked how clean they were! I remember once realising they weren’t clean, so we washed them and put them in a wood stove to dry before school… only to have the soles start melting.

I also remember when our school first introduced a library, it felt incredibly innovative at the time. I loved reading so much that the librarian would let me come in more often. And there were afternoons spent gardening, looking after the rose garden, moments that really stayed with me.

One of the biggest changes is the level of student agency. Today, students are much more involved in their learning, and their feedback is valued and used to shape what happens next.

Q: How did your career in education begin?

A: Before teaching, one of my involvements was with Catholic Prison Ministry, where I met many young inmates who struggled with literacy. That sparked my interest in education, so I completed a Graduate Diploma of Primary Teaching. I then began teaching at St Paul’s Primary School, Woodridge, where I spent four years. It was a wonderful introduction to BCE and school life, and I am very grateful for that opportunity. 

Q: What are you most proud of in your time at St Edward the Confessor School?

A: I’m very proud of the collaborative culture we’ve built. The professional learning initiatives for staff have been powerful and transformative, really building capability and leadership and it continues to evolve.

We’ve also implemented innovative approaches to student wellbeing, including regular check-ins that help us better support students, connecting learning and wellbeing. Simple moments, like being on duty each morning and connecting with students and parents, have been incredibly important in building a sense of belonging. Some wonderful conversations have occurred there.

And, of course, strengthening the Catholic identity and ethos of the school, through liturgies, reflection days and spiritual formation, has been central to everything we do, and I love preparing for these occasions.

Q: What stands out most when you reflect on your career?

A: It’s the people. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to walk alongside students, staff and families to share in their joys, their successes, and also their challenges, anxieties and grief.

You don’t always realise the impact you have, but in recent weeks many people have reached out and reminded me of those shared moments. It’s humbling. You’re simply doing your job, but you do make a difference in people’s lives.

On a typical day, I’d walk around 10,000 steps just connecting with people, visiting classrooms and having those important interactions with students, staff and parents.

I am also very grateful to my principal colleagues over the years, some inspiring people.

Q: What will you miss most about school life?

A: I’ll miss the daily interactions, students stopping to say hello, sharing their stories and celebrating their learning, interactions with staff personally and professionally and the conversations with parents. Those small, personal connections mean so much to me.

Q: What are your plans for retirement?

A: At the moment, I’m simply planning to stop and slow down. I’m looking forward to enjoying a slow cup of coffee, reading at a slower pace, and doing some gardening. I also have a few projects at home, like organising my library, but mostly I want to take the time to stop and smell the roses with my wife Carmel.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

A: There are so many people who have supported me throughout my career who have affirmed and challenged me, but I would like to thank my wife Carmel who has been an incredible support along the way.

For more information about St Edward the Confessor School, Daisy Hill or to enrol click here.

Did you know? Catholic education has been part of the Logan community since 1954. Find a Catholic school in Logan today, click here.

Image caption: Principal of St Edward the Confessor School, Daisy Hill Rick Sheehan retires. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2023).