Denise Gersbach has accepted a new role in the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese, becoming the area’s ONCE/Compass specialist.

Her successor is acting principal Nick Baird, who’s originally from Wee Waa and was St Mary’s principal at Hay for three years.

Denise was looking for a new challenge after having served in the diocese for 18 years – starting as a classroom teacher to 15 years as principal at St Joseph's Primary School in Peak Hill and 10 years at Holy Family.

Her new role will involve rolling out student management systems and establishing them in schools, and will last for two years.

She’ll be looking after 18 schools in a diocese that stretches out to Broken Hill and down to Deniliquin as she operates out of the Forbes office.

It’s a position very fitting for Denise, who’s held a number of significant leadership roles alongside her principalship, such as Diocesan World Youth Day chairperson, eight years as Diocesan Sports Coordinator and currently the Catholic Primary Principal representative on the NESA (NSW Educational Standards Authority) Assessment Committee.

“It’s a new position in the diocese...I chose to take it on [when] they advertised it last year,” Denise said.

“I have mixed emotions, I’m sad and excited.

“The hardest thing will be not being with the kids every day.

“But change is good. I’m looking forward to the challenge of a new role professionally.”

Denise remained at Holy Family for Term 1 this year to allow a smooth transition for Nick and the Holy Family School community.

Nick is excited for the new opportunity at Holy Family and the new challenge in his professional career.

“It’s a bigger school than Hay,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to work in a bigger centre and an opportunity to be involved in the community.

“Parkes was really appealing to us.”

Nick has previously been a religious education coordinator, assistant principal and acting principal.

And he brings with him his wife Katherine and two young daughters, Charlotte and Georgia, who will be attending the school.