After three years of hard work with the school Mr Mercer was of six finalists in the Rotary Principal of the Year award and received $5000.

The school’s improved reputation seems to have justified the award.

“The school was going through some difficulties so we went about making changes,” Mr Mercer said.

“We wanted to make it more structured and organised.

“We’ve been getting people to come in and coach the teachers so they can make more of a connection with students.

“If the teachers engage with the students you’ve got a happy school.”

Since taking Mr Mercer developed the learning enrichment centre for those who don’t fit into regular classes, whether they were struggling or were particularly gifted.

It has been a success since starting last year.

“The kids are starting to get some attention now,” Mr Mercer said.

“We’re trying this different approach where we tap into what the kids are passionate about.

“Each gets a mentor and they go out and really get involved in what they’re into.”

Year 10 student Jayrahn Bowden has been a part of the learning enrichment centre since his first year of high school and wants to be a mechanic or a diesel fitter.

As part of the program he’s been helping out at earthmoving firm on Fridays cleaning machinery and plans to start an apprenticeship at the end of the year.

Apart from the learning enrichment centre, students are now being encouraged to focus more on what they want for their future.

Mr Mercer is a chairperson of the Vocational, Educational and Training Committee and said he was particularly keen to get the students involved in the program to help with the transition from middle school.

The college also plans on becoming a specialist music and football school in the future.

“This is becoming a much more interesting place,” Mr Mercer said.

“Soon Coodanup Community College will be the centre of a large community.”