DENISON College has a new principal.
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Craig Petersen will take on the position at the beginning of next year.
Mr Petersen yesterday toured the Bathurst and Kelso high school campuses with retiring college principal Kathleen Compton.
Mrs Compton has been the principal of the college since it was established in 2007.
“I have every faith that Craig will do a tremendous job,” she said.
Mr Petersen said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“Kathy has done a phenomenal job,” he said.
“She is legendary. I have very big shoes to fill, but that’s part of what attracted me to the job.”
He said it was interesting to see the modern facilities at the Kelso High campus against the rich history at Bathurst High.
“Both campuses have an exceptional reputation in our region,” he said.
Mr Petersen said he would focus on enhancing student welfare programs at the college.
“I want all students to have the best opportunities possible,” he said.
Mr Petersen also has a keen interest in the curriculum. He has written courses for Australian studies and drama and organised school timetables for 16 years.
“It is obvious that Bathurst High and Kelso High share a strong Stage 6 [Year 11-12] curriculum,” he said.
“And both campuses have a really strong history in performance, with school bands and Cirkus Surreal. We’ll be looking for further opportunities to strengthen and maintain those standards.”
Mr Petersen said he would like to explore the links between the college and Bathurst TAFE and Charles Sturt University.
He will leave his current position as Forbes High School principal to assume his role at Denison College.
“I’m ready for a new challenge,” Mr Petersen said. “It’s an exciting time to be coming to Denison College.”
Mr Petersen taught at Coonabarabran High School for six years, during which time he was deputy principal. Prior to that, he was the head of the English department at Finley High School in the Riverina.
Outside school, Mr Petersen has been involved in the NSW Fire Brigade for 14 years and is also an accomplished musician.
His wife, Tracey, is the assistant principal at Bowen Public School in Orange. The couple has five children – Gareth, Connor, Ryan, Rose and Callum.
