Previously teaching in the Victorian education system for 12 years, Mr McKenzie said he is going to have to familiarize himself with how things work across the border.
However he’s confident the shift will prove to be smooth.
Mr McKenzie was originally a farmer, working on the family’s property for 15 years, but when the drought began making life difficult, he discovered a passion for teaching through his coaching roles at the Picola Football Club.
Previously he has taught at Nathalia and was most recently at Katunga Primary School, which he joined in 2013 before becoming the principal.
However he said he won’t miss the 50-minute drive from Moama to Katunga, heading into the sun both ways as he has cut his daily commute down to about 15 minutes in total, giving him the chance to spend more time with his wife Nicole and two boys Zac and Charlie.
While Mr McKenzie said there are no mammoth plans of change for the school, there will be more of a focus on getting the school community involved in education as much as possible.
‘‘Moama Public School is about twice the size of Katunga — so I’m looking forward to working here with the great staff, students and school community,’’ Mr McKenzie said.
‘‘At the moment I’m finding my feet, I want our students to enjoy the school experience and make sure they’re engaged with their classwork.’’