Principals have jointly run the Macleay Vocational College for eight months

For the past eight months, Macleay Vocational College (MVC) has had two principals, the outgoing Mark Morrison and the incoming Ryan Martin.

This changeover method was initially introduced by the founder, Jann Eason.

"Jan and I had the privilege to work alongside each other for a few months, and I just thought if it was possible for the new person coming in, that we would make it a bit longer than that, and I think it's been a great opportunity for Ryan and I to sit down together and allow his direction," Mr Morrison said.

September 1 will officially be Mr Morrison's final day as acting principal after eight years in charge.

The departing principal is responsible for the creation of the Ginda Barri Centre, which provides schooling and housing for parents as young as 16 to complete their education.

He plans to move to Sydney for a year to embrace some welcomed change, before ultimately returning to Kempsey Shire to continue helping out with youth development.

Incoming principal, Mr Martin, has worked in youth behavioral management for over 20 years, and had recently been living in the Northern Territory, working as the principal at the Batchelor Area School for five years.

"Honestly I wasn't sure about the concept (joint transition), but it's been a really good process, particularly as the school and cohort are unique, and whenever are you working in these types of schools you need to leverage off the relationships with the community when things get tough," Mr Martin said.

"Mark's an extraordinary human, his passion for the kids, community and Kempsey in general is unquestionable and he has earned a huge amount of respect across the community, because he has an unwavering regard for the kids despite what might be happening, he rolls up the sleeves and is always there to help."

Mr Morrison spoke highly about the incoming principal, especially with the sacrifices Mr Martin has had to undertake, having to leave his family in Victoria due to COVID-19 for over eight months to take up his position at MVC.

"He's a quality person, and has a great skillset with a lot of knowledge that can help take the staff and MVC on its next journey, especially doing it without his family by his side is admirable," Mr Morrison said.

The future is bright for MVC, with Mr Martin's main priority to "make sure that there is a range of vocational pathways and normal mainstream school pathways, as we want to make sure the kids have the qualifications to work, and more importantly the skills to have a healthy and happy life".

But no man is an island, and both of these men could not have been more grateful and praising of the support they receive from the brilliant MVC staff who help out in any capacity they can.

Finally, Mr Morrison wanted to say "a massive thanks to the town, for everything they have given MVC over time, takes a village to raise a kid, and Kempsey's doing its best to do that for everyone".

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: