In January this year, Carinya welcomed new principal Chad Kentwell and his family to the school community.

Mr Kentwell said Carinya encouraged his family’s plans to live in the community instead of commuting as past principals have done.

“I think the school community and the wider community have appreciated it,” he said.

The Kentwells have also become part of the local Anglican Church.

“People couldn’t have been more welcoming and friendly. It’s been a really good introduction.”

“It feels like home already.” 

Mr Kentwell was principal at Muswellbrook Christian School in 2014 and said that when his family started talking about a possible move to Gunnedah, they were surprised to discover how many people had connections with the town. 

“People only ever had good things to say about it; that’s what our experience has been so far.”

Mr Kentwell said his family had settled in really well and three of his four children now attended Carinya in both Gunnedah and Tamworth.

“We came with the intention of staying on...We’re hoping to settle here,” he said.

In addition to his leadership role, Mr Kentwell teaches classes during the week and said he enjoyed working at smaller schools because he was able to get to know the students and families better.

“It’s nice to know all the kids’ names. It’s like a large extended family,” he said.

“I think one of the key things is the nurturing, heartfelt environment here.”

Mr Kentwell said his goals include the continual improvement of the practices and systems already in place.

“My vision is to continue to build up the profile of the school in the community and increase enrolments... We’ve got room to grow,” he said.

“The future is exciting.”