The Parkes Christian School community has welcomed Glen Westcott as their new principal.
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He officially took over the role from retiring principal Graham Hope on July 17.
Glen has been teaching at the school for three years and for the last 18 months was in the role of deputy principal.
Glen said he loves being principal.
“It was an easy decision to apply for the position as I’ve known the staff, students, families and the broader community for a long time,” he said.
“The executive staff in particular have been an amazing support to me as I transition into the role.”
Glen, originally from Alectown, completed his schooling at Parkes East and Parkes High before studying to be a primary teacher at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.
He taught in independent and government schools in Sydney for 10 years, where he met his wife Katie.
They have three boys William (5), Benjamin (4), and Archie 2.
Glen and his family moved home to his parents, Lawrie and Sue Westcott’s, farm near Alectown when his father was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
“We came back to help out on the farm,” he said
“Sadly Dad passed away in 2014.
“A teaching position became available here, which I took, so for a while I was a full time farmer and a full time teacher!”
Glen is a passionate advocate for Parkes Christian School and his role as principal.
“We have an amazing opportunity as a Kindergarten to Year 12 school,” he said.
“It is a really unique position to be in in this town.
“I love being able to influence for the positive, and being in this significant position of influence is something I don't take lightly.”
Glen still has his foot in the classroom, teaching Year 7 and 8 Geography and Year 5 Health.
“As a deputy I still taught a lot of classes, I made it a priority,” he said.
“If your kids know you, you have a better chance of helping them succeed because they understand your heart for them.”
Glen said he has plans for the school to become the educational go to in Parkes.
“We provide the pastoral and academic opportunities parents desire for their children,” he said.
“For me it’s about breaking down some of the myths surrounding Christian education that may exist in the community.
“Our doors are always open and we happily welcome anyone to come and see what we are all about.
“I love showing parents and prospective parents through our classrooms.”
In his spare time Glen enjoys hobby farming with his mum, keeping fit with his mates, playing guitar and spending time with his young family.