Principals Message

Dear parents and carers,

The staff and I wish you all a Happy Christmas! May you be able to relax and spend time with those you love and care for. The children are certainly ready for a break, the hot weather and some tiredness has made this week rather long for some of our little people (and some big ones!)

Thank you for your support and for working beside us to help your children be the best version of themselves possible. Our staff are truly remarkable in the care they show for every child here. Good, strong relationships are the basis of everything we do here and the link between home and school is vital.

I would like to acknowledge the people who work in our office, Alanna, Caz, Renee, Jess and Jeni. They are multi talented and really do hold the show together.

Today we farewelled students and staff at an assembly. It was a beautiful collection of the students singing, thoughts and highlights of 2023. We said goodbye to Mrs Altmann, Miss Tate, Mrs Denovan, Mrs Sloey, Mrs Penrose, Miss Mooney and Mr Frend.

We watched a slideshow covering some of the highlights of Mr Frend’s career at St Xavier’s.

Speech for Mr Frend

“Mr Frend, as the time has come for you to leave us and embark on a new and exciting chapter in your career, we find ourselves having mixed emotions of joy for your well-deserved promotion and a sense of loss as we bid farewell to a wonderful teacher, a strong leader, beautiful friend and an all round funny bloke.

Your impact on our lives and the school community as a whole has been significant. You've been dedicated to fostering not just academic growth, but also the development of character in our students.

When Mr Frend first started teaching at St Xavier’s he was a bit wild. He had longer, messy hair. I think he thought he was cool! My first memory of Mr Frend as a teacher was the day I walked into the classroom he was working in and he was sitting in the teacher’s chair with his feet on the desk! I thought, this guy is too relaxed. The Mr Frend we see today is far removed from that happy go lucky guy. We see a professional teacher who has retained that great sense of humour.

Mal, your classrooms are not just a place of learning; they are a haven where students feel inspired, encouraged, and cherished. Your ability to connect with each student on a personal level, recognizing their unique strengths and challenges, has given great comfort to them and their families. You build relationships so easily and you are so generous with your care and interest in people big and small.

Your leadership within the school has been instrumental in creating a positive and nurturing environment. In the words of Mary McKillop you never see a need without doing something about it. You are a true example of the belief that we as adults need to care for every single student in our school. You’ve devoted time to coaching and training footy with the big kids although I’m not sure your own footy talent actually puts you in the position to pass on advice.

Your faith journey has been something pretty remarkable and your role as REC has carried out with understanding and an obvious strong faith. Something many of us could aspire to. Thank you for everything you have done in this very important role.

As you begin the position of principal, we know that you will bring the same passion, dedication, and innovative spirit that have defined your time as a teacher and REC. While we rejoice in your success, we cannot help but feel a sense of sadness as we bid farewell to you. Your consistent positive, kind, funny presence will leave a gap, Mal.

We are so grateful for the lasting impact you've had on our lives and wish you nothing but continued success and fulfillment in your new role. Thank you for being you Mal. For sharing your beautiful family with us. We are so glad Rupert is staying and soon Henry will join us. You will always be a member of the St Xavier’s community Mal. You are just on loan for a bit…

I have no doubt you will give your heart and soul to SFX Narrabri just as you have done here and how lucky they are to have you lead them.”

A few things to think about over the break please;

Get the cool haircuts sorted before school starts please. Enjoy them in the holidays but return with a haircut in line with the policy.
Please do not let your children on social media if they are not of the legal age to do so. They are not ready and it causes huge problems.

We look forward to seeing all our precious students and some new ones back here on February 1, 2024. Stay safe and enjoy the break.

Kind regards,

Jen