Photo: Herald Sun

Mr Merlino was at the school as part of Principal For A Day, a state-wide program funded by the Department of Education and Training to increase and strengthen connections between local communities and their schools.

The annual event was launched in 2001 and involves business and community leaders shadowing a principal for a day, giving them the chance to participate in day-to-day school activities and experience life as a principal.

As principal for a day at Patterson River Secondary College, Mr Merlino joined classroom activities and staff meetings, and also had the chance to talk to school captains about leadership.

The Labor Government is building the Education State so every student can access a great local school. The Government has invested more than $3.8 billion to improve classrooms, upgrade facilities and build new schools across Victoria.

This school building boom has delivered more than 1,300 school upgrades and 70 new school projects across the state, supporting more than 5,000 construction jobs for Victorians.