Get to know some of BCE’s primary school principals

27/10/2022

​​Paul Blinkhoff, Principal of Sts Peter and Paul’s School Bulimba with BCE teachers. 

Leading some of Brisbane Catholic Education’s primary school communities is a highly rewarding experience.    

We’ve chatted to three BCE school principals who open up about their roles as primary school principals, and how they embrace their roles as leaders within their school communities, and the importance of leading with a focus, empathy, and deep love of learning.  

 

Paul Blinkhoff, Sts Peter and Paul’s School Bulimba  


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Paul Blinkhoff, Principal of Sts Peter and Paul’s School Bulimba with BCE teachers. 

 

Paul Blinkhoff has worked in Catholic education for over 25 years, teaching in a variety of colleges and primary schools, both locally and overseas.  

    

“After enjoying my time in the classroom, I have been blessed to have leadership roles in BCE since 2008, enjoying appointments as Assistant Principal at St Paul's, Woodridge, Primary Principal of St Francis College, Crestmead and Principal of St Oliver Plunkett, Cannon Hill prior being humbled to join the Sts Peter and Paul’s, Bulimba community as Principal in 2021,” he said.  

  

“Our vibrant Catholic Primary school is one rich in history, with our school opening in January 1916. The Sisters of the Good Samaritan would never have imagined the size and legacy they left after the humble beginnings of only 200 students in 1916.  

 

“We are now a growing community of nearly 700 students, building on the great work of those who have gone before us with our vision of Learning Together for Life embracing our core values of Faith, Compassion, Excellence and Community. 

  

“I love going to work every day as there is such a positive atmosphere that runs throughout the school.  

 

“I am inspired daily by our dedicated teachers and school officers, who walk the journey alongside parents and carers, going above and beyond to support the various learning and social needs of the children entrusted into our care.  

 

“It is wonderful that their great work is reflected across schools on World Teacher's Day - congratulations to all school staff for the very important parts they play in nurturing the next generation.  

 

“You are an inspiration to us all!” 


Terese Shephard, Holy Family Primary School, Indooroopilly  


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Terese Shephard, Principal of Holy Family Primary School Indooroopilly with students. 

 

Terese Shephard has worked for Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) for 16 years after moving from the Townsville Diocese.  

 

For the last five years, Terese has been in the role of Principal, firstly at St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Gayndah and now at Holy Family Primary School, Indooroopilly.  

 

“As an educational leader, I believe that all learners can succeed, but not in the same way and not on the same day,” she said.   

 

“I believe in having high expectations of all learners and supporting them to meet those expectations.   

 

“Learning is life-long, and we can never stop. 

 

“My goal for the rest of 2022 is to continue to support our expert teaching team to ensure the ongoing progress and achievement of all our learners.  

 

“Our Explicit Improvement Agenda has a focus of reading, and I am currently engaged with professional learning so I can better support the teaching staff to deliver high quality experiences for our learners.   

 

“This year we have engages with Hugh Van Cuylenburg The Resilience Project, as we understand the importance of supporting student wellbeing, especially after the last couple of years.  

 

“I enjoy being a Principal for the same reason as I enjoy being a teacher - for the students and for the love of learning.  

 

“The joy students bring each day outweighs any challenge or obstacle.”  

 

Nick Fogarty, St William’s Primary School Grovely 


190913-SWS-we-are-twine-020.jpgNick Fogarty Principal of St William’s School Grovely with students. 

 

Nick Fogarty has worked in Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) since 1994, spending 15 years in the classroom before moving into leadership, where he was fortunate to work in three different schools, before his appointment at St William’s Grovely halfway through 2019.  


Since Nick started at St William’s there has been a real focus on community engagement in this highly competitive catchment, where providing an inclusive and wholistic educational approach catering for the academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of each student is a priority for all in and out of the classroom.  


Giving students the opportunity to showcase their talents and try new experiences is something which we have worked diligently on over the past three years,” he said. 


COVID-19 has made this a little challenging at times, but I am extremely proud how we navigated those uncertain times in such a supportive, sensible, and patient manner across the school and wider community.  


As a school and community, we have a real commitment to student well-being to ensure all children when they come to St William’s feel safe, included and have a voice in regard to what is important to them.  


I feel really fortunate to work for suchgreat staff, students and parents where we are all committed in helping St William’s reach its full potential.   


St William’s is truly Keperra's best kept secret! 


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