Quirindi High School can now claim something not many schools have: a Logie-winning principal and kelpie.

Ian Worley was a keen participant on Season 4 of ABC’s television program Muster Dogs earlier this year, which won the Logie for Best Structured Reality Program.

Alongside his pup Buruma, he was guided by an expert to train his pup into becoming a muster dog.

Mr Worley’s school on Kamilaroi country was along for the ride the whole way, with Buruma also making appearances in the classroom and becoming well-loved by students.

Although he wasn’t at the Logies, Mr Worley was eagerly watching and celebrating from home and is now waiting for the award to arrive at the school, where he has promised the students a photoshoot.

“I made many promises to many people as to where I would take the Logie if we were to win,” Mr Worley said with a laugh.

One of those occasions was the Secondary Principals Council State Assembly where the principal was able to showcase the award to his colleagues and Deputy Secretary of Public Schools Deb Summerhayes.

“There’s been a positive reaction to the win,” Mr Worley said.

“People have enjoyed seeing the school and area on Muster Dogs. Across the Department of Education principal network as well there has been huge support, with everyone getting on board to vote.

"I heard from lots of people who told me they'd never voted in the Logies before but decided to vote for us this time."

As a rural school, many of the students also have, or are familiar with, working dogs. The principal found it's also been a great opportunity to connect further with them in swapping advice and talking to students about dog training.

Mr Worley's enthusiasm for hands-on, rural learning isn't limited to dog training. This year, 20 Year 9 students at the school are sitting HSC Agriculture.

“For these students, sitting the examination early has flow on benefits, as the skills they have picked up for writing and literacy has transferred to other subjects,” he said.

“It is also a chance to be introduced to the HSC environment early, so they know what to expect when they enter Year 12.”

The principal also continues to be an advocate for living and working in rural and regional areas.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the opportunities available for anyone who wants to work in schools in these areas,” he said.