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Across Brisbane’s Catholic education landscape, a successful initiative is helping teachers blend traditional and digital learning, making learning more accessible for thousands of senior students.
FisherOne Online Education, conceived by Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, offers students in Years 11 and 12 a hybrid model that includes live online lessons and flexible learning options, opening doors to new career pathways.
For example, if a student desires to pursue an additional subject not available at their College they now have the option to enrol in subjects offered.
The best of both worlds
Since Term 1, 2024, Britt Gurnett has been navigating her inaugural Principalship at St John Fisher College while simultaneously becoming the Principal of FisherONE after completing BCE’s Women Breakthrough to Principalship Program in 2022 (now known as the Women in Leadership Program).
The program harnessed Gurnett’s impressive three decades of experience in the field of education, including nine years of experience working with the St John Fisher College Bracken Ridge school community across various leadership roles.
“Being entrusted with the role of Principal at St John Fisher College is a heartfelt honour,” Gurnett said. “It's a privilege to continue nurturing the same community I've known and loved while pioneering digital education through FisherONE Online.”
Speaking of her time at St John Fisher College, Gurnett said she had the “incredible opportunity” to witness students grow and thrive from their early adolescent years through to graduation.
“Now as Principal overseeing Year 7 to Year 12, I'm committed to ensuring every stage of their educational journey is enriched with opportunities, both in-person and through FisherONE,” she said.
Extreme times, innovative measures
Gurnett said the shift to remote learning during COVID-19 “spurred the St John Fisher College team into action” and propelled them to explore digital solutions for their senior students, with the aim to “bring expert educators right to their doorstep.”
“At the time I was Deputy Principal of St John Fisher College,” she said. “COVID-19 forced us into the digital realm as students shifted to learning from home.”
Gurnett said that when face-to-face learning resumed, staff at the school soon recognised the benefits of integrating online education as a viable option for students, both within the school community and beyond.
“If a student desires to pursue an additional subject not available at their College they now have the option to enrol in subjects offered by FisherONE.”
Gurnett said students should have access to subjects they’re passionate about, regardless of which school they attend.
“Whether they're facing illness or residing at a distance, we've worked diligently to ensure these students have avenues to pursue their interests,” she said. “I truly believe FisherONE’s hybrid model offers students the best of both worlds, live online lessons and flexible learning options which opens the doors for students and creates new career pathways.”
Education beyond the screen
Gurnett highlighted the importance of teachers building meaningful connections and igniting a passion for learning in the digital realm, saying it has become her personal mission to prioritise the wellbeing of students.
“Despite the challenges posed by remote learning, my team and I remain dedicated to fostering student wellbeing through regular virtual check-ins and creative online engagement strategies,” she said.
“Through online forums and interactive discussions, we also strive to instil values of justice, service, and compassion in our students, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.”
Gurnett said FisherONE’s goal is ultimately to ensure that its students not only excel academically but also grow spiritually, nurturing a deep connection to their Catholic identity even in the digital world.
“We also draw on our Patron Saint, Saint John Fisher, who epitomises the values we uphold in our educational approach at FisherONE College,” she noted.
“As a pioneer in curriculum innovation, his legacy perfectly aligns with our mission to integrate Catholic teachings into our online learning environment, fostering spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.”