St Brigid’s Catholic primary school in Bridgetown has a new principal.

“It’s a real honour and a privilege to be part of the team, ” said Andrew Kelly, who will run the school with the help of assistant principals Kris Williams and Neil Barclay.

Mr Kelly succeeds Monique Field, who left in term three last year.

He taught most recently at Assumption Catholic Primary School in Mandurah.

“I don’t see myself just as a principal, I see myself as a teacher first, ” Mr Kelly said.

Having spent time in Bridgetown with friends, including previous principals at St Brigid’s, he is keen to start a new life in the town with his wife, Helen McClenaghan.

“Bridgetown’s always been a place that I’ve wanted to come to and to be involved in, ” he said.

About 100 children were enrolled at the school in 2013 and newcomers were welcome, he said.

“What I want for St Brigid’s is to be a happy school, a school of smiles.

“We would love families to join our community. We have a lot to offer.”

He praised parents and supporters who over the summer break built five raised vegetable gardens which will be used in sustainability studies.