- High performing staff
- Primary school
06 Aug 2026
As Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) celebrates Primary Principals Day on 7 August, it is recognising two educators who have recently stepped into new leadership roles at the start of Term 3.
Kelli Broadbent, Principal of St Brigid’s Primary School, Rosewood, and Jessica Mutton, Acting Principal of St Elizabeth’s School, Tarragindi have each forged their own path to school leadership.
In this Q&A, Kelli and Jessica share the stories behind their journeys into education, what inspired them to pursue Principalship, and the experiences that continue to shape their leadership today.
St Brigid’s Primary School, Rosewood Principal Kelli Broadbent
Q: You recently joined St Brigid’s Primary School as Principal. What has the experience been like so far?
A: I commenced as Principal of St Brigid’s at the beginning of this year but became substantive at the beginning of Term 3 and have felt incredibly welcomed by the school community. As someone who grew up and raised my family in Ipswich, it is especially meaningful to be part of the Rosewood community and to reconnect with families, friends, and even former students I have taught over the past 22 years.
Q: What was it about St Brigid’s Primary School that drew you to the role?
A: Rosewood is on the cusp of a period of significant growth as more families move to the area, making it an exciting time to be leading St Brigid’s. Building projects are underway that will allow us to welcome more students across all year levels.
St Brigid’s has a wonderful reputation for being a close-knit and welcoming community, and I am excited to be part of its next chapter.
Q: Looking back on your career journey, what inspired you to pursue education and eventually Principalship?
A: After my husband passed away in 1998, I made the decision to pursue university studies at Australian Catholic University, believing that a teaching career would best support my family as I raised three young children.
Following graduation, I secured a permanent position with BCE and began what became a rewarding 16-year career at Sacred Heart School, Booval. I primarily taught Prep and gradually took on a range of leadership opportunities, eventually becoming Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE).
Principalship was not a role I had initially envisioned for myself. However, working alongside exceptional leaders, undertaking further study, acting in leadership positions, tutoring pre-service teachers, mentoring APREs and participating in professional networks, gradually opened the door to school leadership and inspired me to take the next step.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a Principal, and what impact do you hope to have on your school community?
A: One of the greatest privileges of principalship is the opportunity to bring together the needs of students, staff and families while keeping the school's vision and mission at the centre of every decision.
My experience as an APRE has reinforced the importance of leading with faith and purpose. As Principals, we are called to be educational and religious leaders, helping to build communities grounded in Gospel values.
Ultimately, I hope to create a school where every student feels known, valued, and supported to flourish.
Q: How do you think your students would describe you?
A: If you ask the students, they will probably tell you my greatest contribution is running wet-weather discos, which is a reminder that while learning is important, but finding joy, and connection every day matters too.
Acting Principal of St Elizabeth’s School, Tarragindi Jessica Mutton
Q: You recently joined St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School as Acting Principal. What has the experience been like so far?
A: I officially commenced at St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School, Tarragindi as Acting Principal at the beginning of Term 3, and it has been a wonderful start. From my first day, I have been warmly welcomed by our students, staff and families, and I am excited to be part of such a vibrant school community.
Q: What was it about St Elizabeth’s and its community that drew you to the role?
A: What first drew me to St Elizabeth’s was its strong sense of community. From the moment I visited the school, it was clear that relationships are at the heart of everything that happens here. I was inspired by the warmth and enthusiasm of the students, the dedication of the staff, and the strong partnership with families.
St Elizabeth’s is also a thriving school with so much happening every day. What stood out to me was the incredible range of opportunities available to students. They are encouraged to discover their strengths, pursue their interests, challenge themselves and contribute positively to the community. There is an energy and enthusiasm throughout the school that makes it an exciting place to be each day.
Q: Looking back on your career journey, what inspired you to pursue Principalship?
A: Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children, and I believe this begins with strong relationships. As both a teacher and leader, I have seen how positive relationships and effective leadership create a school culture where students thrive, staff feel valued, and supported, and families feel connected.
I am passionate about education and creating opportunities for every child to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. I am continually inspired by the dedication of teachers, and school staff who work tirelessly each day to support, encourage, and nurture young people.
Q: As you settle into the role, what are your priorities for the remainder of the school year?
A: Over the coming months I am looking forward to working closely with staff as we continue to build on the strong foundations already in place at St Elizabeth’s. Together we will focus on providing high-quality learning experiences that enable every student to grow in confidence, achieve success, and reach their full potential.
St Elizabeth’s balances a culture of high expectations with a strong focus on wellbeing, and I am excited to work alongside staff to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to thrive.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a Principal, and what impact do you hope to have on your new school community?
A: Being a Principal provides the opportunity to influence not just individual classrooms, but an entire school community. I want St Elizabeth’s to continue to be a place where high-quality teaching and learning, strong faith values and student wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
It is a privilege to work alongside students, staff and families to create an environment where every child is known, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. My hope is that students leave our school not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the confidence, resilience, and values they need to make a positive contribution to the world around them.
For more information about St Brigid’s Primary School, Rosewood or to enrol click here.
For more information about St Elizabeth’s School, Tarragindi or to enrol click here.
About Primary Principals Day
Australian Primary Principals Day is celebrated on Friday, 7 August 2026, marking the culmination of National Primary Education Week (3 to 7 August 2026). The day honours the dedication of primary school leaders as mentors, community builders, and educators.
Image caption above: Acting Principal of St Elizabeth’s School Jessica Mutton with her students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Elizabeth's School, Tarragindi (2026).
Image caption below: St Brigid’s Primary School Principal Kelli Broadbent with her students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Brigid's Primary School, Rosewood (2026).
View all news