Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal

Branch: Holland Street School

Division: Midwest Education Region

Salary: Level 3, $141,551 - $154,896 per annum (pro-rata) (SEA GA 2023)

Work Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

FTE: 1.0

Location: Geraldton

Closing Date: 2026-08-17 4:30 PM

This is a 12 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension (12 months) and/or permanency

About Us

Holland Street School is a standout Education Support School in the Midwest Region of Western Australia, providing quality, evidence-based learning experiences for students aged 4–18 with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, autism spectrum disorders, and complex behavioural needs. Situated at the heart of Geraldton City, we serve 70 students from the town and surrounding communities, with small class sizes and a high adult to student ratio.

Our school is guided by the values of Persevere, Achieve and Celebrate and is committed to the belief that we are ‘Inspiring Meaningful Lives.’ We provide a diverse range of programs that support students’ learning, wellbeing and personal growth. These include the Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji Two-Way Science Program, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, comprehensive, individual, curriculum support, and independent life skills programs such as Phonics for Students with Special Educational Needs, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness and Early Literacy Programs, Everyday Speech, Zones of Regulation, and ASDAN. Students also access a range of therapeutic programs, including ball therapy, hydrotherapy and TACPAC, as well as Career Education, Workplace Learning, and on-site allied health services.

We operate within the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Framework and are committed to promoting positive behaviour, personal safety and emotional wellbeing through Team Teach approaches. To ensure consistency across the school, we embed the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) into our daily practice, fostering a shared, trauma-informed approach to teaching, learning and wellbeing that supports every student to thrive.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, values-driven educational leader to join our team as Deputy Principal. This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference in a specialist school environment where leadership is visible, relationships are everything, and every milestone matters.

You will drive the student services (including, but not limited to: attendance, case management, Individual Education Plan meeting support, Reporting to Parents management etc) component of our leadership team. Working closely with the Principal, you will also champion staff development, manage student wellbeing and behaviour, and build strong connections with families, agencies and the Geraldton community. You will be a key contributor to our Business Plan priorities and a trusted mentor to our talented team of teachers and education assistants.

We are looking for someone who ideally has:

• Special education expertise - Demonstrated working knowledge of special education practice across Kindergarten – Year 12, including IEPs, differentiation and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
• Trauma-informed practice - Training and experience in trauma-informed, therapeutic approaches, including the Berry Street Education Model or equivalent.
• Leadership and mentoring - Proven ability to guide, support and develop staff within a collaborative, values-led school culture.
• Behaviour and engagement - Deep understanding of Positive Behaviour Support and experience implementing school-wide frameworks.
• Communication skills - Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage openly with staff, students, families and the wider community.
• Data-driven improvement - Capacity to use data meaningfully to drive student achievement and school improvement planning.
• Agency partnerships - Experience building networks with external agencies to support students with complex needs. Close liaison with our school nurse.
• Resource management - Capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources effectively and equitably.

Living and working in Geraldton

Geraldton is Western Australia’s vibrant Midwest coastal city — known for world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing, stunning beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a warm, welcoming community. It offers an exceptional quality of life with affordable housing, excellent schools, and easy access to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and Kalbarri National Park. Regional incentives may apply to eligible applicants.

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. These benefits include competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions. Here are some of the key benefits you will enjoy:

• Country Teaching Program Allowance of $5 000 a year
• District Allowance of $1 239 a year
• 12 percent employer contributions to superannuation
• 12 weeks’ vacation leave (school holidays)
• More than 20 days of other leave, including sick leave and carers’ leave
• Subsidised accommodation where applicable
• Free relocation

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Rachel Rutter, Principal on (08) 9923 6950 or emailing Rachel.Rutter@education.wa.edu.au.

During the school holidays, please contact Rachel Rutter on 0428 950 097.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include:

• A CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A four (4) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF

1. Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
2. High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
3. Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high level of educational outcomes for all students (e.g. Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs).
4. Demonstrated capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

Advertised Vacancy Number: SS/SS1057804