Principal Level P2 - Wairoa School

Position Information

Wairoa School has a K-12 enrolment of 71 students with 62% EAL/D background, and 15% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. The school is located on Bidjigal and Gadigal Aboriginal lands amidst the environs and natural beauty of Bondi Beach. Wairoa is a school for specific purposes (SSP) and enrols students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities from Sydney's Eastern, South Eastern, and Inner Western Suburbs of Sydney. Most students have additional needs: physical, vision and/or hearing, sensory, complex behaviours, health/medical conditions, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Wairoa School community holds high expectations for quality education, which arise from meeting the diverse learning needs of students. Programs prepare students for maximum participation in the community and quality life outcomes. Parents and carers are central to the educational planning process through the development and adjustment of personalised learning and support plans (PLSP). The school has a sustained focus on a child’s social-emotional wellbeing and a balanced academic and functional curriculum. These goals are delivered through technology-rich differentiated learning that is accessible and engaging for students.

The expert and dedicated staff maintain a culture that reflects a deep humanity and the ongoing development of professional practice, especially in relation to literacy, numeracy and communication outcomes. Staff remain in the vanguard of innovative assessment practice, the tracking of individual student growth, and the adept application of literacy and numeracy precursors. Staff have embraced curriculum implementation through a collaborative approach that underpins highly differentiated teaching and learning programs. The Positive Behaviour for Learning framework is enhanced with the 'Zones of Regulation' program and a consistent approach to classroom management and evaluative collection of data.

An overarching goal and strong focus of the school is the successful transitions for students to a meaningful and fulfilling post school life. Community collaboration and school engagement is a foundation for connection, opportunity, and the mutual obligations we hold as a fair, inclusive, and equitable society.

General Selection Criteria

1. High level educational leadership with the skills to lead and manage a complex public school focused on the delivery of high quality education
2. Ability to lead and manage rigorous and inclusive whole school teaching and learning programs
3. High level communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build positive relationships and engage all levels of the school and educational community
4. Ability to lead and manage the development and performance of staff to improve teaching and learning
5. Ability to plan systems and manage resources effectively and equitably to enhance teaching and learning
6. Capacity to lead staff in implementing the Department's Aboriginal education policy and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people

Specific Selection Criteria

Approval to teach. In addition to the general selection criteria,

Demonstrated leadership and expertise to advance and advocate for the wellbeing, education, and post school outcomes for students with additional needs.

A deep understanding and application of special education with a focus on individualised learning and engagement.

Capacity to influence professional culture, aligning the empathy, explicit teaching skills and collegiality of staff with an unshakeable resolve to celebrate fulfilling lives.

Deep care for and connection with community as the foundation for best student planning, adjustments and lifelong outcomes.

Conditions

An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.

Special Notes

Classification Structure for Principals:

The Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools and Related Employees) Salaries and Conditions Award 2020 details the new principal classification structure based on complexity of schools which commenced in 2016. Please view information on the Classification structure for Principals at https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-education/salary-and-benefits/salary-and-awards/awards-and-determinations/teachers-award-initiatives#Principal2

The classification and remuneration of our school principals is based on school complexity, as measured through each school’s RAM allocation. As part of the ongoing application of the new structure a review of thresholds and outcomes will occur on an annual basis. The principal classification for this school is Principal Level P2 for 2026.

Applicants are to include details of their WWCC clearance number as part of this application.