St Francis Xavier Catholic School principal Ronan O’Mahony reveals why he’s excited to take helm

A school beloved by generations of Gold Coasters has a new principal – and he’s not the only family member to join.

THE new principal at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School at Runaway Bay says that family and community is at the heart of everything they do.

And Ronan O’Mahony would certainly know – the father of four has not only taken on the leadership role, he’s enrolled his own daughter in Grade One.

It’s far from the only family connection at the 48-year-old school, where many staff and parents are also past pupils.

“In our parent community, there are second or third generations,” Mr O’Mahony said.

“And there are employees who came here as children.

“The parents I’ve met, the reason they’re here is that sense of community and (the school’s) great name and reputation.”

Primary Learning Leader Maree Brown, Principal Ronan O'Mahony and Assistant Principal Paul Rees at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School in Runaway Bay. Picture: Keith Woods.

It’s been a long journey to Runway Bay for Mr O’Mahony. Born in Ireland, he moved to Queensland when he was five and his teaching career has taken him to Cairns, Toowoomba and even a stint overseas in the UK.

Before moving to the Gold Coast over Christmas, he was principal of St Joseph’s School in Wonthaggi, a small seaside town 130km south east of Melbourne, where the community was affected by lengthy lockdowns.

The experience reinforced to Mr O’Mahony the importance of having a strong school community, something he sees is very much in place at St Xavier’s.

“The main thing with any principalship is around building community connections,” he said.

“That’s first and foremost my task. And it can also be the greatest challenge in relation to being a larger school.

“But from my interactions with staff, parents and students in the last few days, it’s a thriving community. It’s really evident. What I’m really excited about is building on the great work that’s been done here.”

How St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School in Runaway Bay looked on its opening day in January 28, 1975.

Staff and students on the first day of St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School on January 28, 1975.

That work began on 28 January 1975 when the school welcomed its first cohort of 69 students to a building that remains in use at the heart of the modern campus.

It continues to grow, with a record 680 on the books this year. Among the 85 staff are some from the school’s early days.

And among the new intake of pupils is Mr O’Mahony’s daughter, the youngest of four children aged from six to 15 years old.

“All my kids have come through with me,” he said.

“As a parent, they’re all very different. One would call me Mr O’Mahony, one would just say Dad, and the other would completely ignore me. That’s kids.

“It’s fantastic. They’re great kids.”

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