St Francis Xavier’s School farewells Michael Ball

St Francis Xavier’s School is farewelling principal Michael Ball who will be leaving the district at the end of 2021.

Mr Ball, who was appointed to the role of principal at St Francis Xavier’s School in 2018, has accepted a position as principal of Mater Dei Primary School in Toowoomba, commencing in 2022.

St Xavier’s parish priest Fr Sabu Pulimalayil paid tribute to Mr Ball’s dedication to the school.

“During his four years of service to the school, Michael has demonstrated exceptional faith-filled educational leadership, professionalism and integrity, growing the school and developing its strong Catholic identity.

“He enjoys a strong reputation for his involvement in the wider community and will be greatly missed.

“We thank Michael for his contribution to St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, the school community and the system of schools in the Diocese of Armidale, and his great contribution to St. Francis Xavier’s parish community.

“We wish Michael and his family all the best on their return to Queensland and wish him great success in his new role.”

Mr Ball said his family has loved their time at St Francis Xavier’s school and being embraced by the warmth of the locals.

“We would have loved to stay on longer, but the call of our families who live north of the border is what has led to the decision to move to Queensland to be closer to them”, he said.

“We have two boys Theodore, four years old, and Henry, two.

“Theodore was born a week and a half after we moved to Narrabri, so you can imagine it was a big decision to move, as this is the only home Theodore and Henry have known.

“We are going to miss the Narrabri community”.

Incoming principal, Mr Nick Baird will be joining the staff and students at St Xavier’s in 2022.

Mr Baird, the son of Brian and Ann Baird, was born and raised in Wee Waa, attending St Joseph’s Primary School and later St Mary’s College in Gunnedah.

“He is committed to the creation of a Catholic school environment that is welcoming, inclusive, Christ centred in its mission and focused on strong relationships within the community and between school and parish,” said Fr Sabu.

“We congratulate Nick on this appointment, and we wish Nick and his family every success and God’s blessing in this leadership role.”

Mr Baird brings with him seven years of principalship experience, which includes St Mary’s Parish School, Hay, Holy Family Primary School, Parkes and Sacred Heart Primary School in Boggabri.

Prior to this he worked at Holy Trinity School Inverell for eleven years in a variety of positions including numeracy project lead teacher, REC, and assistant principal.

Nick has a Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Primary) with Honours (University of Newcastle); a Graduate Certificate in Theology (University of Newcastle); Certificate of Religious Education (Broken Bay Institute); and a Master of Leadership and Management in Education through the University of Newcastle.

“My family and I moved to Boggabri at the start of the year as an opportunity to return closer to family,” said Mr. Baird.

“I have only been here in Boggabri for 12 months and have loved being at the school, however, the opportunity arose to apply at St Francis Xavier’s Narrabri which I was lucky enough to be successful.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to continue the great work already happening at St Francis Xavier’s,” he added.

“There is a great culture of success academically, culturally and on the sporting field and I feel very privileged to have the chance to lead such a wonderful school community in 2022.”