Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Assistant Principal - Range 1
Occupation: Principal and assistant principal
Location: Melbourne - Northern suburbs
Reference: 1497848
SC1: Educational leadership
SC2: Financial, managerial and administrative ability
SC3: Planning, policy and program development and review
SC4: Leadership of staff and students
SC5: Interpersonal and communication skills
The assistant principal reports directly to the principal.
Assistant principals have a primary responsibility for the management of significant areas or functions within the school to ensure the effective development, provision and evaluation of the school's education program. In exercising the responsibility, assistant principals will have the authority to make all significant decisions relating to the program, budget and staff relating to their area of designated responsibility within the framework of the school's strategic plan, policies and budget. Assistant principals will contribute to the overall management of the school through involvement in policy formulation and decision making.
The management of significant school program or functional areas in schools involve assistant principals in the analysis of the needs of students and the translation of state educational policy and frameworks into appropriate education programs to meet the needs of all students.
Typically assistant principals will be responsible for the effective use of the teaching staff and program budget of a defined area of the school's operation and for the oversight and leadership of the educational programs provided utilising these resources.
Typically, assistant principals perform one or more of the following functions:
Appropriately qualified individuals currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class:
Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools.
Bell Primary School is a dynamic and community focused school with a 2025 student enrolment of 443 students. The school is proud of its long history of providing education in the Preston community since its establishment in 1928. The pleasant, well maintained school grounds enhance the learning programs and community activities. Bell Primary School is committed to building active student and community involvement ¿ a philosophy that underpins a range of programs and community bodies.
The school is supported by a dynamic community led by a dedicated School Council including the following Sub- Committees and Working Groups:
In 2020, the school opened a new senior school learning hub on the second floor of the main building and a refurbished library as part of a capital works upgrade to support collaborative and connected learning approaches. The learning centre, main building and 7 Modular-5 relocatable buildings provide further opportunities for flexible learning that support staff in catering for the needs of individual and groups of students. In 2025, the school operates with 19 classes.
Stage 2 of the building master plan was completed in August 2024, with the construction of a gym/hall for school and community use primarily in the areas of PE/sport and performing arts.
The school continues to prioritise the core areas of Literacy, Numeracy and Curiosity with a focus on building consistency of practice through implementing our agreed upon teaching and learning model. As a professional learning community, we continue to focus on enhancing teaching and learning practices and improving student achievement outcomes through data driven planning in collaborative teams.
An emphasis on high impact teaching strategies including differentiation and providing additional support and extension is central to our approach to teaching and learning at Bell. A tutoring/intervention program is continuing in 2025 to support identified students with targeted and precise learning activities. The school offers a Tier 2 Social and Emotional learning intervention program to support the wellbeing of particular students in certain cohorts.
At Bell Primary, we implement Berry Street Educational Model (BSEM) strategies. BSEM is based on proven positive education, trauma-informed and wellbeing practices that enable students¿ academic and personal growth. The BSEM comprises five domains or `pedagogical lenses¿: Body, Stamina, Engagement and Character, all anchored by Relationships. BSEM along with the Respectful Relationships, Rights and Resilience form the basis of the school's social emotional curriculum that's explicitly taught throughout the year. As part of our Start Up Program, the first week of the school year is spent setting the tone in each room with a strong emphasis on values and developing effective routines and relationships.
Specialist subjects for Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, STEAM and Language (Italian) are delivered weekly to all grades.
Students also have opportunities to develop leadership skills through involvement in forums such as Junior School Council, Sustainability reps and an extensive Grade 6 Leadership program. Bell offers a range of extra-curricular activities as part of its commitment to supporting student engagement, wellbeing, motivation and interest including interschool sport, camps, senior vocal ensemble and rock band, art extension classes, as well as offering a number of instrumental music lessons by external providers. Staff also offer a range of lunchtime clubs at various times of the year, some of which lead to school representation opportunities such as debating and Tournament of Minds.
Our school encourages students to operate independently and co-operatively, to be valued and value others and to take pride and pleasure in participation and achievement.
Our vision and values underpin all decision making and guide the behaviours and attitude of all members of the Bell Community:
Vision
Bell Primary school is a caring community that fosters a love of learning in young people. At school and beyond, students are confident to think critically and empowered to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Values
Resilience: As learners, we embrace a challenge and don¿t give up. We can overcome obstacles and bounce back from difficult situations.
Creativity: We are open to novel ideas and explore new ways to solve problems.
Curiosity: We are excited to explore new and challenging ideas.
Collaboration: We work together to share ideas and knowledge to achieve a common goal.
Respect: We foster a culture in which people feel safe to be themselves and are inclusive of others. We take care of our environment and enjoy the wonders it offers.