Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Assistant Principal - Range 1
Occupation: Principal and assistant principal
Location: Barwon South West - Colac Otway
Reference: 1524656
Teach at Lake Colac School ¿ Where Evidence-Based Practice Meets the Learning and Wellbeing Needs of All StudTeach at Lake Colac School ¿ Where Evidence-Based Practice Meets the Learning and Wellbeing Needs of All Students
Teach at Lake Colac School ¿ Where Evidence-Based Practice Meets the Learning and Wellbeing Needs of All Students
To see our staff and students in action, and why you should apply to work in our school, start by visiting our website at www.lakecolacschool.vic.edu.au or organise a school visit with us now.
Lake Colac School (LCS) is a dynamic and inclusive specialist school located in the regional town of Colac, serving students with diverse learning needs from Early Education through to the year they turn 18. We provide contemporary, research-based education and wellbeing programs for students across a broad catchment area that includes Colac and the surrounding coastal district.
Our students have a diagnosis of intellectual disability¿ranging from mild to profound¿and many present with additional needs, which make them suitable for the tailored education that they receive from our expert staff. Every day, our staff make a tangible difference in the lives of these young people by creating supportive, structured, and joyful learning environments where every student can thrive.
Our Approach to Teaching and Learning
At Lake Colac School, teaching is grounded in the science of learning and evidence-based pedagogies. Our programs are designed using Cognitive Load Theory, Explicit Instruction, and whole-school systems and supports to ensure that teaching is clear, purposeful, and accessible to every learner.
We provide:
Very small class sizes (from 5 up to 13 students) that enable meaningful connections and targeted teaching.
Multiple teacher aides in each classroom, ensuring every student receives individualised support.
Structured routines, visual supports, and explicit teaching that maximise engagement and learning efficiency.
Collaborative Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) where staff share practice, analyse student progress, and continuously refine their craft.
Supportive leadership, coaching, and mentoring by experienced leaders who understands what it takes to support staff to address the needs of each learner and to become a part of an established positive school culture
Our teachers are lifelong learners who embrace reflection, collaboration, and innovation. You¿ll be supported to implement best-practice pedagogy, build deep professional expertise, and see the impact of your teaching every day.
Curriculum and Stages of Learning
Our Early Education Program (EEP) caters for children aged 2.8 to 4.8 years who present with developmental delays in two or more areas. Guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), this program develops foundational skills in communication, motor coordination, social-emotional growth, and cognition through guided play and intentional teaching.
Across the school, the Victorian Curriculum F¿10 (including Foundation Levels A¿D) provides the basis for a highly differentiated, individualised learning experience. Each student has an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that supports personalised goals, authentic assessment, and pathways for success. In the senior years, students participate in Enterprise Education, Work Experience, and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) that prepare them for life beyond school.
A Supportive and Collaborative School Culture
At Lake Colac School, staff wellbeing and professional growth are as important as student achievement. We believe that great teaching happens in an environment of trust, teamwork, and shared purpose.
We value:
A collaborative, caring staff culture where everyone supports each other.
Strong partnerships with families and allied professionals to ensure the best outcomes for students.
A commitment to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), building student confidence, self-regulation, and resilience.
Ongoing professional development and coaching aligned with the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) 2.0 and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0.
Our new, purpose-built facility in Colac West (opened 2024) provides modern, accessible, and flexible learning spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of our students and staff.
Join Our Team
If you are a teacher who values evidence-based practice, collaboration, and making a real difference, Lake Colac School offers an inspiring and rewarding environment to grow your career. You¿ll work alongside passionate colleagues, supported by strong leadership, professional learning opportunities, and a community that truly values education.
At Lake Colac School, you¿ll have the time, structure, and support to do what you do best ¿ teach well, and change lives.
SC1 Educational leadership
Outstanding capacity for visionary and exemplary educational leadership of a specialist school.
Highly developed skills in leading and managing change including the leadership of others in the process of change.
SC2 Financial, managerial and administrative ability
Outstanding financial, organisational and resource management skills.
SC3 Planning, policy and program development and review
¿ Exemplary values appropriate to the development of student learning with a demonstrated capacity to achieve high quality student outcomes.
¿ Demonstrated ability to implement Department policies to a high level.
¿ An understanding of, and a commitment to, the use of learning technologies to improve teaching, learning and wellbeing.
SC4 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.
SC5 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.
SC6 Curriculum Leadership
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
The purpose of the role is to raise student achievement and improve the quality of teaching and learning at Lake Colac School. The Assistant Principal: Teaching and Learning will work closely with the PLC Leadership Team, the curriculum PLCs and individual teachers to ensure the teaching practices are having the most positive impact on learning and that students are achieving to their potential.
The Assistant Principal: Teaching and Learning will also work closely with the Principal and Leadership Team in ensuring teaching staff are engaged in professional growth and ensure that there is a strong link between evidence-based practices, curriculum and teaching and learning.
As a member of the school's leadership team this position also has responsibility for contributing to the overall wellbeing and education of all students in the care of the school and for participating in leading, developing and maintaining the school's vision, mission and values.
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.