In
a click-worthy move, Britt Gurnett has not only been appointed as the Principal of St John Fisher College Bracken Ridge but also the Principal of Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) first online school, FisherONE Online Education.
FisherONE evolved with global trends to create an innovative solution to provide high-quality, accessible education for senior students (Years 11 and 12) across Queensland.
Since Term 1 of 2024, Britt has been navigating her inaugural Principalship at St John Fisher College while simultaneously becoming the Principal of FisherONE after completing BCE’s Women Breakthrough to Principalship Program in 2022 (now known as the Women in Leadership Program).
The unique BCE program aims to empower, inspire, and elevate aspiring female Principals across BCE’s 146 schools.
The program harnessed Britt's impressive three decades of experience in the field of education, including nine years of experience working with the St John Fisher College Bracken Ridge school community across various leadership roles.
Britt said, "being entrusted with the role of Principal at St John Fisher College is a heartfelt honour”.
“It's a privilege to continue nurturing the same community I've known and loved while pioneering digital education through FisherONE Online,” she said.
“At St John Fisher College, I've had the incredible opportunity to witness students grow and thrive from their early adolescent years through to graduation.
“Now as Principal overseeing Year 7 to Year 12, I'm committed to ensuring every stage of their educational journey is enriched with opportunities, both in-person and through FisherONE."
Britt adds COVID-19 spurred the St John Fisher College team into action, propelling them to explore digital solutions for their senior students, with the aim to bring expert educators right to their doorstep. This transformative journey ultimately gave rise to the inception of FisherONE.
“At the time I was Deputy Principal of St John Fisher College,” she said.
"COVID-19 forced us into the digital realm as students shifted to learning from home.
"When we returned to classrooms, we recognised the benefits of integrating online education as a viable option for students, both within our school community and beyond.
“If a student desires to pursue an additional subject not available at their College they now have the option to enrol in subjects offered by FisherONE.”
Britt is a firm believer that students should have access to subjects they’re passionate about, regardless of which school they attend.
“Whether they're facing illness or residing at a distance, we've worked diligently to ensure these students have avenues to pursue their interests,” Britt said.
“I truly believe FisherONE’s hybrid model offers students the best of both worlds, live online lessons and flexible learning options which opens the doors for students and creates new career pathways.”
Britt adds a FisherONE education extends beyond the screen, “it's about building meaningful connections and igniting a passion for learning in the digital realm.”
“It has become my personal mission to prioritise the wellbeing of our students," she said.
“Despite the challenges posed by remote learning, my team and I remain dedicated to fostering student wellbeing through regular virtual check-ins and creative online engagement strategies.
“Through online forums and interactive discussions, we also strive to instil values of justice, service, and compassion in our students, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.
“At FisherONE our goal is to ensure that our students not only excel academically but also grow spiritually, nurturing a deep connection to their Catholic identity even in the digital world.
“We also draw on our Patron Saint, Saint John Fisher, who epitomises the values we uphold in our educational approach at FisherONE College.
“As a pioneer in curriculum innovation, his legacy perfectly aligns with our mission to integrate Catholic teachings into our online learning environment, fostering spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.”
For more information about FisherONE and to enrol click here.
For more information about the subject offerings at FisherONE click here.
For more information about St John Fisher College or to enrol click here.