Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Principal - Range 5
Occupation: Principal and assistant principal
Location: Barwon South West - Greater Geelong
Reference: 1531662
(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.
(g) Community Criterion
Demonstrated capability to embrace a school's uniqueness, identifying strengths and opportunities and building on these in partnership with the entire community to meet the complex needs of students and families.
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.
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
In addition to the registration requirements set out above, principal and teacher class employees in special settings and visiting teachers are required to have completed an approved year of study in an appropriate special education discipline for ongoing employment in special settings or as a visiting teacher.
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/recruitment-schools/policy-and-guidelines/qualifications
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.
To be eligible for appointment as a principal a person must either:
Nelson Park School is a specialist government school located in Bell Park and Corio, Geelong, providing education for students aged 5-18 years (Foundation to Year 12) with a diagnosed mild intellectual disability.
Established in 1967, Nelson Park has a current enrolment of approximately 360 students drawn from across the Geelong region. The school operates across two campuses, with the main campus located in Bell Park and a senior campus located in Corio which supports the transition of students into senior secondary pathways.
Nelson Park School employs approximately 150 staff, including Principal Class Officers, Leading Teachers, classroom and specialist teachers, wellbeing staff, therapists, education support staff and administration staff. Staff work collaboratively to support student learning, wellbeing and independence through a multidisciplinary approach.
The school's vision of developing Life-long Learners reflects a commitment to building the independence, confidence and capability of every student. Nelson Park focuses on supporting students to develop their academic, social, emotional and life skills, preparing them for meaningful participation in their communities.
Teaching and learning programs are aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and are differentiated to meet the diverse learning needs of students. The school has developed a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum and utilises a Whole School Instructional Models to support structured and explicit teaching. Staff collaborate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to plan curriculum, assess student progress and continuously improve teaching practice.
Student wellbeing is a central priority at Nelson Park. The school implements School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS) and Berry Street Education Model trauma-informed practices to create a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Students are supported through Individual Learning Plans developed in partnership with families during Student Support Group meetings, ensuring personalised learning goals and strong home-school collaboration. Nelson Park offers a broad range of specialist programs, including Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Food Technology, STEM, Health and Physical Education, Outdoor Education and Library. These programs support student engagement and the development of practical life skills.
At the senior campus, students participate in a range of community and vocational learning opportunities, including work experience, community engagement programs and industry exposure. Students undertake the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) or ASDAN, an applied learning program that supports the development of employability, independence and post-school pathways.
Nelson Park works in partnership with Northern Bay College to access the Geelong Industry Trade Training Centre, where senior students participate in vocational programs such as Hospitality, Automotive and Building and Construction, as well as School Based Traineeships.
Nelson Park School values learning and effort, cooperation, respect and community, and works closely with families, community organisations and industry partners to provide meaningful learning opportunities for students.
Nelson Park School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. The school has zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to providing a child safe, inclusive and culturally safe environment for all students.