New principal takes the wheel at Trafalgar High School
Trafalgar High School's new Acting Principal took the reins at the start of the third term.
Brett Pedlow, former Yarram Secondary College principal, has taken over from Jane Mersey - who retired earlier this year.
Ms Mersey spent 15 years as principal at Trafalgar High School and was farewelled at the end of term two.
Mr Pedlow comes to the school with 9 years of experience as a principal. Previously he was a Kurnai Campus Principal and most recently held the position of principal at Yarram Secondary.
"Mr Pedlow comes with many years of experience as a principal," said assistant principal Amanda McQualter when she informed the school community that Mr Pedlow has been successful in obtaining the position.
Students have used the start of term three to make their new principal feel welcome and during the coming weeks, Mr Pedlow will be introduced to the parents and the wider community.
Mr Pedlow said he hopes to use his experience to provide "stability and leadership" moving forward.
"Traf has a tremendous history of quality education and Jane is extremely well respected. I've worked alongside Jane in various roles through the networks for quite a few years," he said.
"To learn from the school and community was really exciting."
The move from Yarram to Trafalgar was promoted by a desire to join the community and learn from the school. He was also able to move close to his family in the process.
Mr Pedlow said the first week in his new role was about "orientating and observing."
"This week has been a challenging week, it's about providing stability... change is difficult for all people," he said.
"I feel I've got the experience to lead a school, but all schools are different. It's about being open to learning."
Mr Pedlow said he has spent time meeting all year levels and staff.
"The priority, for now, is supporting our students off the back of quite a disruptive couple of years," he said.
"Certainly this time of year it's about supporting our senior students with their VCE and vocational pathways."
Community involvement is another big focus for Mr Pedlow, one he intends to bring into his new role.
"My mantra when lead schools is that we can't improve as a school if we aren't out and involved in the broader community - and that works both ways," he said.
"I'd like to open our doors to the broader community."