Dungog High School Principal Janene McIntosh will step down from her role on the same day the school's Year 12 students graduate.
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Mrs McIntosh, who has been principal since 2017, announced to students and families this week that she had made the "difficult decision" to leave the school on September 25.
She is set to take up the position of principal of Newcastle High School.
When Mrs McIntosh took over the reins at the school at the start of 2017 she said she was passionate about public education and wanted the school to be competitive.
Last year's Higher School Certificate results were certainly competitive. The school's students achieved both a first and third place in the state and seven students made the honour roll
"The school has developed and grown tremendously in the past four years and I am immensely proud of our achievements together," Mrs McIntosh wrote to parents on Monday.
"These successes are a testament to the exceptional team work that has occurred across the school and our community in partnership with our students, parents and community.
"I am confident in how the school is positioned for excellence moving into 2021 and beyond.
"All performance measures are trending upwards and we have been significantly increasing our capacity in every aspect of the school.
"Our Annual School Report of 2019 shows clearly how well the school is performing and we are positioned to enjoy so many wonderful things in the future, including new programs in Agriculture, continued HSC excellence, the new school bus, an additional support class and ongoing technology and innovations for student engagement."
Mrs McIntosh's new role will see her leading a school of 1200 students across two campuses in the city of Newcastle - quite a different context from the beautiful rural setting Dungog High enjoys.
"I have loved serving this community and want everyone to know that my decision has been made to leave the school based on a variety of personal reasons," she told families in the school newsletter.
These included reducing her travel each day, family, proximity to the University of Newcastle and having strong connections to the city.
Mrs McItosh is completing her PhD (Education) in the field of Restorative Practices which requires her to be closer to the University.
The school has developed and grown tremendously in the past four years and I am immensely proud of our achievements together
- Janene McIntosh
She said the school and staff remain highly committed to serve the individual needs of students.
"I deeply hope our school and community feels proud of Dungog High School, as the school really is impressive, in so many ways."
Mrs McInstosh said she has made many friendships in the area that she dearly treasures.
"I thank my staff, our students, parents and the community for their support over the past four years. I will miss you all greatly.," she wrote.
A new principal is expected to be appointed in the next few months.
