Bathurst High principal Ken Barwick making a difference to the next generation of students

It must have seemed a lofty ambition for a boy from a poor background who fled his home aged 11 due to domestic violence, but today Ken Barwick is in his eighth year as a principal - four years at Bathurst High and four previous years at Oberon High.

After running away from home as a child, Mr Barwick spent a lot of time moving from house to house where friends' parents allowed, before settling in with the Angus family in year 11.

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"They're (the Angus family) a significant reason why I got my HSC," he said.

It was at the local police boys club where Mr Barwick gained an appreciation for the comfort, support, and hope that people in the right positions can provide to kids who don't have this at home.

"My whole world changed when my dad walked out on our family when I was only seven," Mr Barwick said.

"Although I didn't grow up in a supportive household, I was very fortunate to come across people who actually cared and who supported me through those difficult years."

For Mr Barwick, those people included local police officers, his long-term soccer coach and a few of his high school teachers.

"The role of the educator has been vital in my life," Mr Barwick said.

"I started playing soccer when I was 11 and my coach in the early 1990s at Bathurst '75 Joe Judge - a university lecturer and former high school teacher - turned a troubled boy ... into a kid who trained so hard and eventually played high level soccer over many years.

"I honestly believe that if I didn't play soccer, I would not be where I am now.

"And then in high school, it was my mathematics teacher Mr Ross Longhurst who realised my potential even when I didn't.

"This unlocked the confidence I needed to eventually study mathematics at university and become a mathematics teacher."

In 1996 a personal tragedy highlighted just how fortunate he was to have been given the chance for a better life.

"I was working as a teacher at Lithgow High School when I heard my younger brother had taken his own life," Mr Barwick said.

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"I realised how lucky I had been to come across people in my early years that gave me a chance, so I made a promise to myself that I would use my role as a teacher to make sure all kids were given the opportunity to succeed.

"Educators have the potential to ignite a spark, unlock or wake up something in a child that can change their life forever and make them realise they can achieve anything."

Mr Barwick acknowledged his staff, who are equally committed to building positive experiences for their students, and paid tribute to the parents and the extremely supportive community in Bathurst.

"At Bathurst High we are committed to building productive and collaborative partnerships with community groups which add value to the lives of our students, such as our strong connection with our local Police Citizens Youth Club," Mr Barwick said.

"By engaging and empowering students and their families in a number of successful wellbeing strategies and resilience programs we have, we can provide each of our students with the chance to succeed they all deserve.

"And that's what's so great about public education - it gives kids from any background the chance to realise their potential."

Although Mr Barwick experienced bullying in high school because of his low socioeconomic situation, he loved his time as a student at Bathurst High School.

"Bathurst High School was the safest place for me growing up, and despite some bullying it was more fun to be at school than at home," he said.

"Helping rural students who live in isolated homes was always built into my future, so I chose to systematically work in and around the central west, always with the aim to end up back at the school that gave me so much.

"I love this place. It felt like coming home. The history, the graduates, the current students and future students all combine to make this the most wonderful school."

Returning to Bathurst High School in 2017 was made even more special for Mr Barwick as his three children - Campbell, Emily and McKenzie - were students at the school.

"I needed their approval to fulfil my childhood dream and they were just as excited to have their dad as the principal," Mr Barwick said.

"I am the first former student of Bathurst High School to become the school's principal and I intend to stay here for many years until I make a difference for all our students.

"I want every student to look fondly on their time at Bathurst High and will work tirelessly to ensure every student leaves our school with a creative skillset, positive outlook and the confidence to succeed in the future."