GOOD Shepherd College has appointed Melissa Evans as their new principal, with her position endorsed by the current Lutheran Bishop of Australia, Rev. Paul Smith.

Ms Evans is new to the region having previously worked in Mildura but is originally from Queensland, and this will be her first time being a school principal.

Ms Evans said last year advertisements for the role of principal went out and then she met with the College board as well as some of the school’s students.

“I then had a look around the school, as well as the local area,” she said.

“I then chatted to the school about the strategic vision for the school and how I may be a good candidate to enact that with the strength I have.”

Ms Evans said that Good Shepherd was a beautiful school with rich history, and she had a desire to honour the culture that existed.

“We have a new strategic plan, so we are trying to bring that to the forefront of contemporary learning for the school, but also where every child feels safe and wants to come to school to learn, and we want to celebrate their gifts and talents,” she said.

After spending two years in Mildura and as her family love to travel and see different parts of Australia, they have felt very at home in Hamilton.

“It has been a very welcoming community and it’s a beautiful place, so we are just really excited to get to know the community and see this beautiful part of the country as we work here,” she said.

“Being principal has been like a rollercoaster, but I would have to say that it’s been a blessing. The staff, students and families at this school have made it the most welcoming and supportive place I have ever worked in.

“So that has just made my life a lot easier, but it is a blessing to come to work every day and it’s made being a principal for the first time in a new place a joy.”