Mrs McIntosh said she has been warmly welcomed into her new role by the school community and is looking forward to building relationships and developing a strategic plan for the school.

“We have staff here who are experts in their field, passionate about education and I want to build on the good results the school already has, with academic success particularly HSC results, a priority,” she said.

“The rich history of this school is something I respect and value.

“I’m looking forward to working with the community as I truly value and acknowledge the contribution they have made to the school over the years.”

Mrs McInstosh has most recently been at Francis Greenway High School and is no stranger to the area, having applied for a deputy position at Dungog a few years ago.

Her mother is a former school principal and she says she was drawn to a career in teaching by its caring nature and the ability to give to people in the role.

“You make magic every day when you teach,” she said. “To touch children’s lives is a privilege.”

Having been educated at Newcastle Grammar School, Mrs McIntosh said she was well placed to voice her enthusiastic view on public education.

“I believe public education should be competing with the private schools and Catholic schools,” she said.

“I think we are better.”

It was a family affair of new beginnings for the McIntosh family with Mrs McIntosh proud to say her son Declan started Year 7 at Dungog High this year.