St. Francis Xavier School welcomes new principal

Friday, Sep. 02, 2016

KEARNS — With 27 years of teaching experience, Marianne Rozsahegyi has accepted responsibility as the principal of Saint Francis Xavier Elementary School. 

Having taught music, prayer, Scripture, ethics and social justice to young people and adults, “I have been blessed with opportunities to speak to students and parents on confirmation retreat, witness students Skype about justice with peers in India, help them build a school in Uganda, serve at soup kitchens, and see them give generously to those in need,” said Rozsahegyi.

“Ms. Rozsahegyi is an experienced Catholic Schools educator who practices her faith and has been a model to her students, parents and colleagues,” added Mark Longe, Utah Catholic Schools superintendent.

With a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University, a master’s degree in education from Boston College and a Certificate of Catholic School Leadership from Creighton University,“she is highly educated. It is apparent that she believes in and cares a great deal for the mission of Catholic education,” said Longe.

Rozsahegyi’s first contact with St. Francis Xavier School came from meeting some of its graduates at her previous job at Juan Diego Catholic High School.

“SFX students possess an exceptional ability to listen to others, analyze with compassion, and articulate questions that drove their desire to excel in learning. SFX students articulated their beliefs in God and their concern for justice in the world,” said Rozsahegyi.

Prior to this new opportunity Rozsahegyi oversaw professional development for the Juan Diego CHS faculty while also working in campus ministry.

“It is the gift of engaging the whole person that excites me – to be a leader of a Catholic school that allows each child to speak of their faith, discover their gifts, and use them compassionately for bettering our world. The next generation of problem solvers and peacemakers might well come from SFX,” said Rozsahegyi.

Longe said that a principal in a Catholic school is considered to be the chief executive officer of the school. 

“They are the spiritual leader, educational leader, and financial manager of the school. They must be able to able to handle the day-to-day tasks while also planning for the future of the school,” said Longe, adding that characteristics such as being a great communicator, problem solver and a person of faith who loves children are also very important.

Having worked with Xaverian Brothers, Silesians, Holy Cross Sisters, and diocesan educators and attending two Jesuit colleges, Rozsahegyi  said she holds a high regard for St. Francis Xavier, her new school’s patron saint, who was one of the first Jesuits and a stellar missionary. 

“St. Francis Xavier is known for his enthusiasm, joyfulness, passion for learning and action, and love for all people. In these few days on campus, these are exactly the gifts I have found in the staff and parents I’ve met. ‘Love of God, love of others, love of self,’ Christ’s call to love, is vibrant and living here. SFX is a special place,” said Rozsahegyi.

Among her goals are to continue the good work of the previous principal as well as support the faculty’s dedication to strong homes, and also maintain and increase  school relationships and academic excellence.

“Catholic schools, especially Saint Francis Xavier Elementary, are a place where students, faculty staff, parents learn to dialogue using the common ground of faith to create a more peaceful and just world. It is the gift of engaging the whole person that excites me to be a leader of a Catholic school that allows each child or adult to speak of their faith, discover their gifts, and use them compassionately for bettering our world.”

“I believe that she will become a wonderful principal. I expect that she will take time to get to know her teachers, students, and families and that she will work hard to be the best principal she can be,” said Longe.