Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Principal - Range 4
Occupation: Principal and assistant principal
Location: Grampians - Ararat
Reference: 1486677
(a) Vision and values
Demonstrated capacity to create a shared vision, define and gain acceptance of school goals and set and communicate expectations for effective performance.
(b) Teaching and Learning
Demonstrated ability to manage the quality of teaching and create a positive culture of challenge, support and collaboration.
(c) Improvement, Innovation and Change
Demonstrated capacity to produce and implement clear, evidence-based improvement plans and policies and lead innovation and change.
(d) Management
Demonstrated capacity to ensure that the school's human, physical and financial resources are efficiently allocated and managed.
(e) Development
Demonstrated capacity to create a professional learning community that is focused on the continuous improvement of teaching and learning, supporting all staff to achieve high standards and commitment to their own learning and wellbeing.
(f) Engagement
Demonstrated capacity to develop positive relationships with students, parents/families and the local community and participate in and contribute to system-level activities.
The role of the principal is to lead and manage the planning, delivery, evaluation and improvement of the education of all students in a community through the deployment of resources provided by the Department and the school community.
At the same time, the principal, as executive officer of the school council, must ensure that adequate and appropriate advice is provided to the council on educational and other matters, that the decisions of the council are implemented and that adequate support and resources are provided for the conduct of council meetings.
The principal is accountable for the overall management and development of the school within statewide guidelines and Government policies. A clear set of accountabilities, which distinguish their work from other members of the Teaching Service and the education community are set out in detail in the contract of employment.
The core accountabilities of all principals are to:
Appropriately qualified individuals currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
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.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, 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 family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
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 a person must have provisional or full registration from the Victorian Institute of Teaching. In addition, from 3 August 2020, to be eligible for employment in the principal class or teacher class, a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education program after 1 July 2016, must demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements. This condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian Initial Teacher Education program completed by the person.
To be eligible for appointment as a principal a person must either:
Ararat College is a rural 7-12 co-educational College of just over 340 students located in the Central Highlands Region of Victoria approximately 100 kilometres west of Ballarat. The College was established in 1913 as one of the state's earliest secondary schools. The staff profile has changed significantly over the last four years. The College's Leadership Team has grown and includes the Principal, two Assistant Principals, three Leading Teachers and three Learning Specialists. Approximately 18% of the teaching staff are part-time. There are currently no identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. The College has a diverse and multi-skilled staff who work hard to provide an engaging and challenging program for all students. The College also employs a large number of Education Support staff to support our students funded through disability Inclusion and equity, as well as student mental health and wellbeing needs. Staff succession planning, middle leadership development and capacity building continue to remain a high priority.
Enrolment numbers have steadily increased more recently. Students come from a predominantly English-speaking background, with 2% of students having English as an additional language. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students make up approximately 7% of the College enrolment. Approximately 45% of our students are from low socio-economic family backgrounds. The school currently has an SFOE of 0.5224. The College works extremely closely with the local government primary schools to ensure a supported and effective transition for students into the secondary school setting. These strong relationships also assist with continuity of learning within the curriculum.
Ararat College's mission is 'to provide an education that empowers young people to find their voice and thrive in any endeavour with respect, responsibility and excellence'. Supporting this mission statement are three core values:
Ararat College buildings are situated in attractive, spacious, and well-kept grounds with areas of landscaping. The buildings include an Open Learning Centre with adjacent outdoor classroom, Gymnasium, Library, Technology Wing, Technology Skills Centre, Arts Centre, Senior School Centre, Science and Language Centre, a VET Hospitality/Commercial Cooking Trade Training Centre, synthetic surface Multi-Sport Facility and a School Farm with onsite classroom. Significant maintenance and refurbishment work has been undertaken and continues to be a priority to ensure that the College's many old buildings remain functional and attractive and provide a high-quality learning environment for our students. A highlight of 2023 was receiving $4.6million to upgrade and modernise our school as part of the Victorian Government state budget.
A comprehensive range of co-curricular activities continues to be offered to students, focusing on the holistic development of students as individuals. This includes instrumental music, media programs, camps, numerous Student Leadership opportunities, State School Spectacular, school band, annual theatre/musical production and sport programs. No formal programs are offered for overseas students.
Ararat College is a school focused on both the learning and wellbeing outcomes of all students. In a caring, well-disciplined atmosphere, the college sets high standards in all aspects of student endeavour and behaviour, with our dedicated and talented teaching and support staff delivering engaging educational opportunities to all students, whilst also focusing on reflection and continuous improvement practices. The College makes a feature of encouraging, recognising and celebrating academic excellence, student leadership and co-curricular participation. Working with local community organisations and key stakeholders has been a priority as the College continues to support students to raise their aspirations and therefore motivation towards their education.