MOVING from South Africa to Leeton is certainly a massive change for new St Joseph's Primary School teacher Michelle Swan.
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Mrs Swan and her husband recently moved to town after deciding life in South Africa on their property was becoming too dangerous.
The pair already have two children living in Australia, a daughter in Queensland and a son in Griffith, so it was Leeton where they decided to make their home.
"Our children had been asking us for a while to move to Australia to be closer to them, but also because farming in South Africa got a bit dangerous, so they were asking us to come over," Mrs Swan said.
"At our age it was quite a daunting idea to basically change our whole lives and move to a new country.
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"It's a big chance, but you know what, neither of us are regretting it."
Mrs Swan is entering her third week at her new school, with her husband now working with Websters Ltd.
While the move has been quite a change, Mrs Swan said she was now focused on getting to know the students at the school and becoming accustomed to the Australian education system.
"I've got the year fives and six classes ... I'm getting to know their routine," she said.
"The education systems are different, but I'm getting into the swing of things.
"The staff have been amazing. They knew I was coming, so they have been so accommodating and helping me.
"It's a challenge, but I like a challenge.
"My biggest thing is the kids, getting to know them and relating to them."
While also getting used to a new job and new home, Mrs Swan said she was also having to readjust when it comes to simple things such as grocery shopping in Australia.
However, she has already worked out one of Leeton's greatest attributes - its friendly people.
"Leeton is a lovely town ... I just went to the library the people there were so nice and it's honestly just not something I'm used to," Mrs Swan said.
"I really can't believe how nice people have been. It's wonderful. We're really going to like it here."
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