Sunshine Coast Principal wins Spirit of Catholic Education Award for his dedication to community

21/07/2025
Congratulations Dan McShea

​​​SOCE Award Winner, Principal Dan McShea with Notre Dame student Colby and his mum Amy-Lee ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Notre Dame College Bells Creek (2025)​

When Foundation Principal Dan McShea was announced as the recipient of the Spirit of Catholic Education (SOCE) Award for 2025, it came as no surprise to the Notre Dame College community at Bells Creek. 
 
In just 12 months Dan has built a community grounded in faith, inclusion, and genuine connection. 

Community first  

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Head of School Performance and Progress Brett Horton said, “from the moment he took on the role, Dan’s focus has been clear—people first”. 
  
“Whether he is greeting students at the gate, listening to families, or bringing locals together to shape the school's culture, his leadership is grounded in connection and compassion,” he said. 

“Bells Creek is a new area with many young families that has grown significantly very quickly. 
 
“Families have come from diverse backgrounds and locations, and yet time and time again, our College has been described as feeling like home.” 
 
Servant leadership 
 
While Dan is quick to deflect praise, Notre Dame College Head of College Jasmine Brown said the award “couldn’t be more fitting”. 
 
“Dan knows each student and their parents and is dedicated to ensuring every child at Notre Dame College feels known and loved”. 
 
“This is due to Dan’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe and nurturing place where acceptance, innovation, and collaboration thrive,” she said. 
 
“From engaging families well before the College opened to creating relationships with local kindergartens, Dan will do whatever it takes for his community. 
 
“Dan has also initiated weekly playgroup at Notre Dame College for local families and delights its members by reading stories and playing games.” 
 
Notre Dame College Assistant Principal Angela Martlew said, “Dan is an outstanding role model, embracing the Catholic Christian culture of BCE”. 
 
“He has prioritised embedding the Marist Charism at Notre Dame College, significantly investing in staff formation to ensure our charism is one that is truly lived,” she said. 
 
“This has been of particular importance, as for the large majority of our students, the College is their first experience of Church. 
 
“In the Sunshine Coast community, Dan is also highly regarded for his service to Surf Lifesaving.  
 
“Dan is regularly on patrol at local beaches, leading many rescues and saving lives, exemplifying his dedication to service and commitment to the community.” 
 
The Year of Hope 
 
Dan said the award was “humbling”. 
 
“We have a lot of people doing incredible work at Notre Dame College,” he said. 
 
“This award is a great honour and reflects the collective efforts of our College team. 
 
“I am really excited about the work we are doing here at Notre Dame College. 
 
“We are in The Year of Hope. What can be more hope filled than a brand-new school that will be a beacon of hope in our community? 
 
Looking ahead 
 
Notre Dame College is now preparing to begin its Stage 2 works in 2025. 
 
The works will see the construction of a new College Library, additional classrooms, and two more Prep rooms—providing the facilities needed to support the school’s growth. 
 
By 2034, Notre Dame College will educate 1800 students and employ 280 staff. 
 
In 2025, a children’s book about Principal Dan McShea was also published. Written by Jasmine Brown the book, ‘Mr McShea and His Magic Hat’ explores the College’s values, Compassion, Courage, Hope, and Marist characteristics of spirituality. 
 
For more information about Notre Dame College, Bells Creek click here. 
 
About the Spirit of Catholic Education Award
 
The Spirit of Catholic Education Award celebrates the outstanding contributions of passionate educators within Catholic Education in Queensland. Individuals or teams including staff members, parents/carers, or volunteers are nominated for making an outstanding contribution to the life of their school community. See the winners from across Queensland here.



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