A former student is now the Principal at St Flannan’s School Zillmere.
Moving from Townsville, Cheryl Bell completed Year 6 and 7 at the north Brisbane school, where she found a connection with Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters.
“They nurtured us with compassion and kindness, set high expectations, and inspired us to achieve our best. Their legacy has always stayed with me,” Ms Bell said.
“I wasn’t afraid to ask questions or take the lead on school projects. I was heavily involved in sports and coaching, which became a passion I carried into my teaching career.”
She said her teachers then instilled in her a love for learning and leadership, which has translated to her first Principalship, after being Acting Principal at the Brisbane Catholic Education school last year.
Ms Bell said blending her love of teaching and sport led to one of the proudest achievements in her career to date.
“One highlight was introducing hockey to many schools during my time as a Physical Education teacher,” she said.
“It was a joy to start Brisbane’s first school hockey programs.”
Ms Bell said she was now looking forward to preserving the school’s legacy of compassion and service.
“This school has always been a diverse and multicultural community, something I appreciated as a student and now as a leader.
“The values of acceptance, kindness, and love are deeply rooted here, and I see those same qualities in the staff who tirelessly support every student, no matter their background.”
