New principal for St Francis Xavier’s

Malcolm Frend has been appointed as the new principal of St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, Narrabri for the start of the 2024 school year.

Formerly holding the position of religious education co-ordinator (REC) at St Xavier’s Primary School Gunnedah, Mr Frend has 14 years’ experience in primary education, starting work in Catholic education in 2009.

In 2016, Mr Frend left the diocese temporarily and gained more teaching experience with the Department of Education furthering his leadership experience as the director of Gunnedah Pre-school.

He returned to the Armidale Diocese in 2019 upon taking on the REC role at St Xavier’s in Gunnedah.

During 2023 he has undertaken two separate tenures as acting principal at St Joseph’s Primary School in Mungindi and the Sacred Heart Primary School, Boggabri.

“I am extremely grateful to be presented with the opportunity to work with the St Francis Xavier’s Primary School community,” said Mr Frend.

“Whilst excited at the prospect of this new role, I want to acknowledge the very fond memories of my career at St Xavier’s Gunnedah and cannot thank the staff, students and families enough for their support during my employment there.

“In particular, I am grateful to have had strong guidance throughout my career from my former principal, Mrs Jen Honner, especially as I began to pursue educational leadership.

“I really look forward to working closely with the dedicated staff at St Francis Xavier’s Narrabri and continuing with the great work Nick Baird has been leading them through over the last two years in order to achieve positive outcomes for all students.

“I am excited to build a strong rapport with all the students and their families – one that aims to maintain an understanding that each child can be a learner whilst feeling safe and valued, respected and cared for whilst attending St Francis Xavier’s Primary School Narrabri.”

Director of education from the Catholic Schools Office, Chris Smyth, said: “In his past roles Malcolm has widely demonstrated his ability to lead teams, facilitate professional development and build relationships within the community.”

Mr Frend replaces Nick Baird who has served as principal at St Francis Xavier’s for the past two years.

The family have moved to Forbes upon Mr Baird taking on the position of head of learning and teaching for the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese.