Celebrating Outstanding Principal Leadership
Our Principal, Mrs Tricia Howard is the recipient of the Tom Fitzsimon Award in 2026. Tricia was nominated by her fellow principals and selected through a vote of peer principals. Receiving this professional learning award is a great privilege and honour.
The Tom Fitzsimon Award recognises a principal who is communicative, collaborative and connected; brings positive energy and a caring, proactive approach; demonstrates commitment and persistence; remains willing to learn, unlearn and relearn; and leads with creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Tricia’s nomination and selection by her peers make this recognition particularly significant. It celebrates not only her contribution to Catholic education, but also the collegiality, service and spirit of leadership that Tom Fitzsimon modelled so generously.
We warmly congratulate Tricia on this well-deserved honour.
The Tom Fitzsimon’s Legacy
In 1973, Tom Fitzsimpn joined the Catholic Education Office as Executive Officer and, in 1982, became Assistant Director of Catholic Education in Brisbane. He helped shape policy for Catholic systemic schools, supported the selection and induction of growing numbers of lay principals, and fostered warm and supportive relationships across the profession. His service also included significant contributions to the early planning and establishment of McAuley College and to the establishment of Ngutana-Lui, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre at Inala, in 1988.
Tom is remembered with affection and gratitude as a man of unfailing courtesy who always made time to listen, help and encourage others. His generous service and commitment to Catholic education remain at the heart of the award that bears his name.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Our Lady of Dolours School (2026)