WELCOMING: Former Myrtleford P12 principal Brian Souter, new principal Zlatko Pear and wife Lu, and Lindsay French, long-time friend of Zlatko’s.

On a balmy evening in Rotary Park, Friends of Myrtleford P12 College welcomed principal Zlatko Pear and his family to the school community and wished them all the best for the future.

A sizeable gathering brought picnic blankets and chairs and enjoyed a barbecue dinner, cooked by amiable "chef", Rotary Club of Myrtleford president Phil Macdonald.

Mr Pear’s return to Myrtleford P12 College, where he was once a student, is a boon for the school, according to former Myrtleford P12 principal Brian Souter, who has no doubt his former pupil will excel in the position.

"He’s making history by being the first student to come back in the role as principal," Mr Souter said.

"It’s a great appointment and with him being raised in the community, that’s a real plus."

Mr Pear was assistant principal at Staughton College in Melton and began his teaching career in the late 1980s.

He grew up in Myrtleford and attended the school, returning often to visit his family.

Friends of Myrtleford P12 College co-convenors Marg Goodman and Lawrence Neal were thrilled about 30 people attended the casual function and plans are being made for the next get-together.

"We signed up around 40 members which was fantastic, everyone had an extremely enjoyable time and it was wonderful for us to be able to welcome Zlatko and his lovely family to town and the school," Mrs Goodman said.