"There were a few first day jitters," he said.

Mr O'Brien said it was great to be back in the school community and to make contact with the children and their families. "It's really exciting being back in the school," he said.

"The kids have been overwhelmingly welcoming. I've had a lot of experience with the school community, my wife works here and our five children came through the school. The staff are extremely caring and there is a high level of parent involvement. There is a big focus on wellbeing and development of the whole child."

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He worked at St Pius X Primary School from 2000 to 2013 before moving to the Catholic Education Office. He said becoming a school principal was something he had been working towards.

Mr O'Brien was to coach the Warrnambool Football Club seniors but stepped down to an assistant coaching role due to the new job.

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