QCPPA is principals for principals in a distinctively Catholic way.

It has been an honour and pleasure to lead QCPPA for the past two and a half years, building on the work of those before me. In my time as President, with the support of Rita Petersen (VP) and Trevor Doyle (Executive Officer) we have convened a strong committee from across the state to discover who we are and why we exist.

QCPPA has a clear purpose and that is to:

  • Advocate and agitate on behalf of our Catholic Primary School Principals.
  • Foster connection and collaboration across our five diocese and all principals.
  • Support the mastery of leadership of our principals.
  • Strengthen our governance and operational capacity.

We do this in complementary ways to our respective Diocesan systems.

The role of the principal in a Catholic school is a privileged one. We have God’s people in our hands and help form the next generation inspired by the story of Jesus Christ. Through our work, we help to build a better humanity where dignity, respect, and care for our world abound.

To do this work, I believe we need one another: only other Catholic School principals know the day-to-day life of another, and it is through this collegial network, that we can inspire each other, share the load, and help us all be the best we can. 

There are many highlights of my time with QCPPA, the most recent being the 2024 QCPPA Conference. Over 90 delegates converged on Mooloolaba to share their stories, be inspired, and become more masterful at the craft of leading. The experience of collective effervescence was generated through the shared experience of learning, collegiality, fun, and joy at being together.

I hand on the baton to the next President, Kathy Flemming of St Therese’s School, Cairns ably supported by Rita and Trevor. My hope is that I have made a difference to the principals of Queensland Catholic Schools. To all principals, I leave you with this quote from Vincent Van Gogh which describes my experience of principalship. We are all on a journey to being better – just do it!

“I am always doing what I can’t do yet in order to learn how to do it.”

Source: ​Letter to Anthon van Rappard (1885) 

I now enjoy my new role as Senior Education Leader in the diocese of Toowoomba which is awesome as I still get to be with and make a difference for our principals.

Go gently.

Gavin Rick

Outgoing President – QCPPA