By BRIDGET SCOTT
ONE of St Francis Xavier College’s (SFX) biggest assets will part from the school at the end of this year, with both a tear in his eye and a smile on his face.
After “10 good years” at the college, principal Paul Desmond will embark on a new journey after he accepted a job with the Catholic Education Office.
Nobody would speak higher of SFX than long-standing principal Paul Desmond who said his highlights at the school were endless, with the students at the top of the list.
Across the three campuses there are more than 2400 students, but you would struggle to find a pupil with a name that Mr Desmond doesn’t know.
His name is known to many too, but for this teacher it’s time to learn some new faces with a big role ahead of him.
“I will oversee about 50 schools, and probably around 20,000 kids,” he said.
“My job is to make sure that all of the schools are running well and the office provides a good service for them – that schools can do what good schools can do.”
Humble in his nature, Mr Desmond would be the last to admit the impact he has had on not only the school, but the broader community.
He played an instrumental role in raising awareness to the previously taboo subject of suicide, and said he was thrilled to get the backing of local government and politicians when he partnered with two other principals to shine a light on the topic.
“I reckon that’s been a great thing, and I think young people who are not feeling strong will benefit form that in the long run,” he said.
Mr Desmond said the students had taught him during his time at SFX, but said his greatest moments came from when he could see a student strive.
“I love that moment when kids say ‘now I’ve got it’,” he said.
“I love those kids who are strugglers, and then they produce something that they believe is the best they can produce.”
While the sounds of bells and buses will now become a thing of the past, Mr Desmond said he is excited for the new challenge which he will start on 12 January next year.
With his departure pending, his words of wisdom were simple.
“The day you stop learning, give it away,” he said.
“If you don’t love being with kids and watching for those light bulb moments get out, because kids deserve better.”
