Robert Patruno will join new assistant principal Jeff Walster at the school, which caters for 21 pupils at full capacity.

Verona School supports pupils in years 5 to 8 with emotional and behavioural problems, applying a 40-week program to ensure the pupils are fit to return to their regular schools.

Mr Patruno, who was deputy principal of Punchbowl Boys High School, looked forward to working with the Verona pupils and their families. ``It's our goal to get these kids across the line,'' he said. ``To help them become responsible learners and to make that transition into the wider community so they can be successful.''

Another new addition to the school is the frog pond which was designed and built by the pupils last year.

Teacher Helen Sim said the pupils gained a lot from the experience of building the pond. ``There was plenty of team building,'' she said.

``They gained respect for the school and they learnt how to be environmentally friendly.

``It was quite productive and they take a lot of pride and ownership over it.

``It's amazing and very rewarding to see how these kids turn around.''

Mr Walster used to be at Prairiewood High School.

``I'll be working with kids who need a lot of extra help,'' he said. ``The goal is to try to provide that extra help so they can, hopefully, become confident enough in society.''