20 Catholic School Heads in Regional Queensland

Regional Queensland has Catholic school leaders working across primary schools, secondary colleges and Prep to Year 12 settings. Their work reaches well beyond a job title: it includes learning, faith, student care, staff capability and the relationship each school has with its local community.

This article brings together 20 leaders across primary schools, secondary colleges and Prep to Year 12 settings. Together, they show the different ways Catholic school leadership is lived across regional Queensland.

The names are presented alphabetically by surname for easy navigation.

Why Catholic school leadership matters.

Catholic schools hold several responsibilities together. Leaders are asked to support strong teaching, keep student wellbeing visible, create a clear faith life and help staff and families feel that the school is a community rather than only a service.

That combination makes the role unusually practical. The principal’s decisions show up in classrooms, staff conversations, parent relationships and the way a school responds when circumstances change. It is leadership with a close feedback loop, because people see the effects of decisions every day.

1. Nicole Anderson

Nicole Anderson is principal of St Paul’s Catholic Primary School Gracemere. Nicole Anderson began as principal in 2026 after four years as Assistant Principal Curriculum. The school’s announcement highlights high expectations, teacher efficacy and sequenced learning. The role places Nicole in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Nicole’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

2. Sheila Challacombe

Sheila Challacombe is principal of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School North Rockhampton. Sheila Challacombe began as principal in 2026 after five years at St Joseph Clermont. The announcement highlights inclusive education and differentiated learning. The role places Sheila in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Sheila’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

3. Lisa O’Brien

Lisa O’Brien is principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Clermont. Lisa O’Brien began as principal in 2026 after 30 years in primary teaching and four years as APRE at St John the Baptist Gladstone. The role places Lisa in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Lisa’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

4. Mathew Mills

Mathew Mills is principal of St Anne’s Catholic Primary School Sarina. Mathew Mills began as principal in 2026 after serving as principal of St Joseph’s Warialda in New South Wales. The school describes his focus on trust, collaboration and high expectations. The role places Mathew in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Mathew’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

5. Susan Bunkum

Susan Bunkum is principal of Chanel College Gladstone. Dr Susan Bunkum is identified as principal of Chanel College Gladstone. The college’s 2026 student leadership story centres on Family Spirit and service. The role places Susan in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Susan’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

6. Chris Oakes

Chris Oakes commenced as foundation principal of St Francis Catholic College in 2026. He previously served as Deputy Principal at Downlands and held senior roles at St Michael’s Gold Coast and St Laurence’s Brisbane. The role places Chris in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Chris’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

7. Louise Pfingst

Louise Pfingst is listed as principal of St Thomas More’s Primary School. The school describes its aim of providing a vibrant, safe and caring environment. The role places Louise in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Louise’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

8. Chris Gabbett

Chris Gabbett is identified as principal of Mary MacKillop Catholic College. He described the Illuminate RE project as supporting religious education and school faith life. The role places Chris in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Chris’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

9. Candi Dempster

Candi Dempster is listed as principal of Ryan Catholic College. The official page describes a Prep to Year 12 school across three campuses with almost 2,000 students. The role places Candi in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Candi’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

10. Katherine Nelson

Katherine Nelson is listed as principal of St Catherine’s Catholic College. The official page describes its Prep to Year 12 structure and three precincts, with a history connected to the Sisters of Mercy. The role places Katherine in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Katherine’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

11. Megan Wuersching

Megan Wuersching is listed as principal of Southern Cross Catholic College. The school describes a Prep to Year 12 setting focused on holistic education, inclusivity and service. The role places Megan in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Megan’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

12. Sarah Hamilton

Sarah Hamilton is listed as principal of Holy Cross School Trinity Park on the Cairns Catholic Education school page. The role places Sarah in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Sarah’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

13. Lauretta Graham

Lauretta Graham is listed as principal of Newman Catholic College Smithfield on the Cairns Catholic Education school page. The role places Lauretta in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Lauretta’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

14. Glen Seivers

Glen Seivers is listed as principal of St Augustine’s College Cairns on the Cairns Catholic Education school page. The role places Glen in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Glen’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

15. Kym Bennett

Kym Bennett is listed as principal of St Augustine’s School Mossman in the Cairns Catholic Education schools guide. The role places Kym in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Kym’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

16. Leanne Webster

Leanne Webster is listed as principal of St Monica’s College Cairns in the Cairns Catholic Education schools guide. The role places Leanne in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Leanne’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

17. Narelle Harney

Narelle Harney is listed as principal of St Francis Xavier’s School Manunda in the Cairns Catholic Education schools guide. The role places Narelle in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Narelle’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

18. Marie Martin

Marie Martin was announced as principal of Emmaus College in 2025. The announcement records 30 years in education, including principal experience at Marist College Emerald and curriculum, VET and pathways work with Catholic Education Rockhampton. The role places Marie in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Marie’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

19. Lorraine Wolffe

Lorraine Wolffe is listed as principal of Burdekin Catholic High School. The official page describes a Years 7 to 12 school where pastoral care is a primary goal. The role places Lorraine in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Lorraine’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

20. Mardi Grubba

Mardi Grubba is listed as principal of Mary Help of Christians Catholic College. The official page describes the secondary co-educational college opened in 2025. The role places Mardi in the day-to-day work of building a school culture where students can learn, staff can do their best work and families can see the school’s purpose in action.

For leaders outside education, Mardi’s profile is a useful reminder that leadership is experienced locally. A strategy only becomes real when it shapes routines, relationships and decisions in a particular place. Catholic school leaders carry that connection between purpose and practice every day, with the school community as the measure of whether the work is landing.

Related reading.

Leadership team development: https://www.consultclarity.org/post/leadership-team-development

Working Genius for leaders: https://www.consultclarity.org/post/working-genius-for-leaders

Senior leadership development programme: https://www.consultclarity.org/post/senior-leadership-development-programme

A final thought.

The strongest school leaders make purpose visible in ordinary decisions. They help people know what matters, what good looks like and how they can contribute. That is useful leadership practice in every organisation.