Ms Blakemore takes over from Margaret Polack who retired at the end of last term.

“I feel honoured, excited and happy to become part of the Clarence Town Public School community,” Ms Blakemore said.

“I have been a principal at Gillieston Public School from 2003 and have spent the last 18 months as relieving principal at Irrawang Public School.

“I began my teaching career in the western area of NSW before moving to the Riverina and finally back to the Hunter Valley (where I was born and raised) where I taught at Metford, Beresfield and Plattsburg Public Schools before being appointed as principal to Gillieston Public School.

“My experience is diverse and I look forward to bringing my skills and knowledge to Clarence Town Public School to build onto the fabulous job that Margaret has done in the last three years.

“I have been made to feel very welcome by the students, staff and parents I have met so far.

“Clarence Town Public School is a beautiful physical environment with lovely buildings and grounds.

“The school also has wonderful teaching and learning programs for the students to achieve their best.

“The staff are experienced, dedicated and work hard for our students to achieve outcomes in all areas – academic, social, sporting and cultural.”

The school has now been reclassified as a P5 school with Ms Blakemore to be a teaching principal.

“This is not a change for me as I was a teaching principal at Gillieston Public School and am able to manage both roles well.

“I will be teaching S1K and I will have normal release from time to time teaching time, as well as extra release to undertake the administration side of being a principal.”