Having grown up on a farm just outside of Yarrawonga, Mr Willett said he was excited to be back working in the area he called home.
With a teaching background in English, physical education and humanities, Mr Willett has moved through the ranks and worked in many different areas in education.
He has had teaching roles in various schools across Victoria and was more recently the deputy principal at Cathedral College, Wangaratta.
Mr Willett said he looked forward to working with the committed CAGS staff to further create a safe and happy environment for the entire CAGS community.
“From the uncertainty that exists in our current COVID-19 environment to long into the future I want our fine school to educate students in a way that sets them up to be the best that they can be,” Mr Willett said.
“I want to encourage our young people to prepare themselves to be productive local citizens, wherever their path may lead them.
“And to do that I want our school to be ingrained into the local community,” he said.
Mr Willett began his role on Monday, July 13, and took over from Steve Gale who was the school's leader for eight years.
Mr Willett has four adult children and understands the needs of students and parents.
After nearly four decades in the education system, Mr Willett has had some days he would rather forget but said he had never faced a job harder than that of being a parent.
“As a parent I wished for my children to go to a school that has a safe social and learning environment and that they came home happy,” Mr Willett said.
“I believe if schools can achieve those two things, then the writing, reading, maths, science, running, jumping — all the other things schools are obligated to provide, will be achieved.
“Another thing as a parent I hoped for, was that I sent my children to a school that offered opportunities and experiences that will not only fulfill them but set them onto a path for their future.
“And that is exactly what I will be working hard with the CAGS and wider Moira community to achieve,” he said.
Mr Willett moved to the area with his wife Carolyn and they are excited to be involved in what the town offers.
“Once upon a time about 100 years ago I was a Murray League premiership player with Mulwala,” Mr Willett said with a laugh.
“I feel at home in small communities and love a community that comes together, especially over a bit of sport,” he said.
Mr Willett said his vision for the school couldn’t be achieved without healthy and collaborative relationships with students, parents, the school community and wider community.
“My door is always open, and my phone is always on,” Mr Willett said.
“Please, if anyone wants to have a chat, I would be delighted to meet any member of the Cobram community no matter their connection to the school.”
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