Horsham College's new principal visits

Mr Spiel will start a five-year contract in January, replacing acting principal Tony Fowler who will return to be principal of Warracknabeal Secondary College.

Mr Spiel has an extensive background in education at various schools in South Australia, both in Adelaide and rural areas.

He was principal and district superintendent at schools in Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Gladstone and in the Barossa Valley.

"I wanted to take on the challenge of working at a regional school, working with other schools and having a regional focus," he said.

"Horsham is very much about being part of the Wimmera and this is an exciting opportunity because there are many improvements going on at the college at the moment."

Mr Spiel said his first priority was to work on the improvements already set in place by Mr Fowler and Bernie Davern.

"I will be following through on the improvements agenda and also engaging and looking for further opportunities," he said.

Mr Spiel, who has grown-up children, will move to Horsham soon with his wife.

"It's always exciting to start at a new school and I want the school to be part of the community and work in partnership with the community," he said.

Mr Spiel said he would look at different pathways for the students and try to work with businesses, other schools and community groups.

"The big advantage of being in a regional town is there are much more opportunities because people know that by working with the school they are investing in their future," he said.

Mr Fowler said he was disappointed to be leaving Horsham College but was looking forward to returning to Warracknabeal.

"It's different challenges with a smaller school in a rural area, trying to keep subjects afloat and working with other schools, including Horsham College," he said.

Mr Fowler said he would watch from afar the development of projects he had worked on, including the trade training centre, oval redevelopment and regeneration program.

"I've been putting in place structures to improve the teaching and learning at the college," he said.

Mr Fowler said the college could look forward to using white board technology and laptops next year.