A FAMILIAR face at Bega Valley Public School has temporarily taken over as principal.
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Experienced teacher Mark Farrell is filling in the role of acting principal for term one.
Troy Mott departed at the end of 2013 to become principal at Wagga Wagga High School.
Mr Farrell has been teaching for 34 years and moved to Bega in 1995 to work at the then Bega Public School.
He oversaw the amalgamation of Bega Public School and Bega West Public School in 2012, when Bega Valley Public School opened its doors (BDN, 31/1/12).
Mr Farrell said he was excited to be promoted to the role of acting principal.
“The position will go to advertisement this term and we will see what term two brings,” he said.
“It’s exciting challenge and it’s interesting to work at an executive level, student level and parent level.
“My role is to make sure that the team is operating as effectively as possible and to be establishing contacts.”
Bega Valley Public School has received an influx of pupils in 2014.
The school now has 356 pupils from Kindergarten to Year 6, split into 14 classes.
Along with Mr Farrell’s promotion, there have been three other staff changes at the school.
Kerrie Vogels is the school’s new deputy principal, while teachers Charlie Jennings and Rob Lenon have returned.
At the end of 2013, the school bid farewell Mr Mott and teachers Mariclare Malone and Maria Caragher.
Ms Vogels has worked for the NSW Department of Education and Communities, where has coordinated numerous programs.
These include the National Partnerships, NSW Country Area and Priority Schools programs.
“Kerrie will provide great benefit,” Mr Farrell said.
“She will be overseeing the curriculum and staff, and she will be looking after Years 3 to 6.”
Mr Farrell said he loved everything about Bega Valley Public School.
“There is a very supportive parent body and great staff – I hope to develop those teams,” he said.
“I am not new to the school, but we will look at how to do things differently.”