New principal at Saint Francis Xavier has extensive experience in Catholic education

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Heather Brown

KEARNS — As the new academic year began, smiles flooded Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School as the community welcomed their new principal, Heather Brown.

“I am so excited to be the new principal at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School. I am grateful to begin this journey with the warm and welcoming community of Saint Francis Xavier,” Brown said.

Raised in a family of educators, Brown always knew that her path would be in the education field.

“I always knew teaching and eventually becoming a principal was my journey,” she said.

Her mother was an elementary music teacher for 30 years, and Brown used to help color and laminate materials for her classrooms, she said.

After high school, Brown received a vocal scholarship to Idaho State University, where she studied music education.

Her passion has always been education, she said; she finished her elementary education bachelor studies through Grand Canyon University, then went on to complete a master’s degree in administration there.  

“Spending my days helping students find their successful moments through the route they need is a fulfilling and wonderful way to do God’s work,” she said. “As a teacher, I loved watching my students experience learning moments that made their eyes light up or express excitement with a classmate.”

Prior to being selected as the principal of St. Francis Xavier, Brown worked at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School for more than 20 years in different positions.

“I decided to become the principal at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School because from the moment I walked into the building I could feel the warmth and support. Saint Francis Xavier is truly a community who supports each other,” she said, adding that the school’s diversity also attracted her as a way to “have a deeper understanding about the world around us.”

Brown also enjoys being able to work side by side “with colleagues who are also doing their best to support each other and help students find success in a safe and loving environment,” she said. “I love the education field because every day, collectively, teachers, students, staff members and families get to be a part of the journey toward helping each other find success, and we are blessed to do it all under the loving hand of Jesus.”

Her goals at St. Francis Xavier include continuing with the school accreditation path that was completed in the last academic year.

“I believe we must tackle the plan that was put in place prior to my presence in the building,” she said. “I am excited to dive into the critical goals that were gathered by the faculty and supported with help from the accreditation team.”

“Achieving the opportunity to be the head of the diverse and excellent community of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School is a blessing that I cannot put into words,” she added. “... My goal as an educator is to provide a safe place for all. The community at Saint Francis Xavier is a place that exemplifies the school motto, ‘Love of God, Love of Others, Love of Self.’”