Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Assistant Principal - Range 2
Occupation: Principal and assistant principal
Location: Melbourne - Western suburbs
Reference: 1540740
Selection Criteria
1.Educational Leadership
Outstanding capacity for visionary and exemplary educational leadership.
Highly developed skills in leading and managing change including the leadership of others in the process of change. Comprehensive knowledge of effective teaching strategies that demonstrates an understanding of how students learn.
2. Financial, managerial and administrative ability.
Outstanding financial, organisational and resource management skills.
3.Leadership of staff and students
A highly developed capacity to motivate staff, develop their talents and build an effective team.
A clear capacity to foster a learning environment that takes account of the individual needs of students and helps students to develop their special abilities and talents.
4.Planning, policy and program development and review
Demonstrated ability to implement Department policies to a high level, including the ability to manage issues related to master planning and innovative development of College resources to achieve high quality student outcomes across the school.
5.Interpersonal and communication skills
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills in individual, small group and community contexts.
Exemplary values pertaining to personal qualities of objectivity, sensitivity and integrity.
An ability to work with parents and the community to develop a strong learning environment.
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 recruitment of the acting assistant principal position is open to eligible ongoing DET employees only.
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.
College Profile
Copperfield College is a large, multi-campus secondary school located in Melbourne's north-west. The College comprises two junior campuses (Years 7-10) in Kings Park and Sydenham, and a senior campus (Years 11-12) in Delahey. We serve approximately 2,000 students and are supported by 150 EFT teaching staff, 70 EFT Education Support staff, and seven Principal Class personnel. The College has a Student Family Occupation and Education (SFOE) index of 0.65, reflecting a significant level of social disadvantage within our community.
Copperfield College is highly culturally diverse, with approximately 40 per cent of students from a language background other than English. Despite the challenges associated with this context, the College performs at or above expectations when compared with schools of a similar profile, particularly in VCE outcomes.
The College's mission 'to empower every student to aspire and achieve' is central to our work and underpins the Copperfield College Strategic Plan. This plan, together with the 2026 Annual Implementation Plan and the 2025 Annual Report, is available on our website:
www.copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au
Our strategic direction focuses on delivering consistently high-quality teaching and learning through a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum, with a strong emphasis on reducing in-school variation. Building the capacity of all teachers to collaborate effectively within Professional Learning Communities is a key priority, enabling the delivery of differentiated and responsive learning for every student. Improving literacy, numeracy, and student wellbeing remains a core focus across the College.
Copperfield College is a significant provider of VET in Schools and a key member of the Brimbank VET Cluster. As the lead school of a Technical Trade Centre, we offer programs including VET Automotive, VET Electrotechnology, and a range of other vocational pathways. The College also places strong emphasis on co-curricular programs and student leadership opportunities.
The College sustains a stable International Student Program, with 40 international students currently enrolled. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is delivered across all campuses, including a Multicultural Education Aide (MEA) support staff, alongside two Languages Other Than English (LOTE), one of which is supported by a longstanding sister-school partnership of more than 27 years with Fuji Junior High School in Japan. The College also offers an Excelling Program (SEAL) for students performing above, ensuring that high academic students' needs are appropriately met. An Excellence in Sports Program (Basketball) is running working together with Keilor Thunder Basketball.
Positions advertised at Copperfield College are not campus specific. Staff are deployed according to student learning needs, with opportunities to move campus on an annual basis.
Copperfield College is recognised as a leading public education provider, characterised by high expectations, academic rigour, strong outcomes, and a culture of continuous improvement.
School Vision & Mission
Inclusive and Supportive Environment
A safe, inclusive, and empowering learning community where every student is valued and supported.
Personalised and Future-Focused Learning
Evidence-based, differentiated teaching that unlocks individual potential and prepares students for diverse post-school pathways.
Holistic Development
A rich and balanced curriculum offering strong academic, vocational, creative, and co-curricular opportunities that build character, confidence, and lifelong skills.
Community Partnerships and Shared Purpose
Strong collaboration with families, industry, and tertiary partners under the banner 'One College, Three Sites, One Family', working together to shape futures and empower all students to aspire and achieve.
Values
At Copperfield College, we value:
Respect - Valuing every individual's identity, voice, and experience, and fostering a culture of trust, empathy, and understanding.
Responsibility - Acting with integrity, making informed choices, and contributing positively as active and caring citizens.
Relationships - Building inclusive, collaborative, and supportive relationships that enhance belonging, wellbeing, and shared growth.
Excellence - Maintaining high expectations and a commitment to continuous improvement, enabling every student to reach their full potential.
Copperfield College is fully committed to the Victorian Child Safe Standards and to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students.