Vice Principal

We have 2 x, permanent, full-time positions commencing Term 1, 2027

This advertised process is to fill concurrently two new Executive leadership positions at the school.

At Applecross Senior High School (SHS) we are committed to empowering every student to achieve their personal best within a culture of mutual respect. We are a high performing and inclusive public school and value excellence, wellbeing and connection as they are the foundations of lifelong learning.

Through evidence-informed teaching and purposeful engagement, we foster creativity, confidence, and compassion, preparing students to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world and to contribute meaningfully to society.

The school has experienced student enrolment growth in recent times, and it is predicted that further student enrolment growth with occur over the next few years in response to additional high density living and backfill in the local intake area. These two new Executive leadership positions will expand and evolve the existing team by enabling greater leadership capacity and delivery so Applecross SHS can sustainably manage growth and its challenges, and continue to provide an exceptional staff, student and family experience.

Find out more about our school by visiting applecross.wa.edu.au or Schools Online

The Role

The opportunity to expand and evolve the school’s Executive Team structure and portfolios will enable the sustainability of highly collaborative ways of working that improve and achieve the strengthening of school performance with efficient and effective systems that thrive in environments of innovation and change.

The two successful applicants will hold one of three portfolio options: Teaching & Learning, Students and People & Culture.

Teaching and Learning: Lead conditions for every student to achieve their personal best by strengthening curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment through collaborative, data-informed practice, and championing responsive, inclusive teaching that supports every student through their transitions and pathways.

Students: Lead the conditions that enable every student to thrive, embedding student voice as a driver of how the school improves and treats wellbeing and achievement as inseparable measures of success through culturally responsive, inclusive, safe, evidence-informed environments.

People and Culture: Lead the conditions that enable every staff member to perform at their best by intentionally investing in professional growth and fostering a high-performing, culturally responsive workforce, strengthening leadership capability and nurturing leaders across the school.

Each portfolio will be led by a partnership of two Executive Team members, reflecting our commitment to collaborative leadership and our belief that these three portfolios are interdependent priorities, not parallel agendas. Portfolio allocations will be determined by individual strengths, experience, complementary expertise, and opportunities for professional growth, while remaining aligned to the strategic priorities of the school. These leadership partnerships will foster shared responsibility, collective expertise, and a strong team-based approach to leading innovation, managing change, and delivering ongoing school improvement for the benefit of our staff, students, and families.

Applicants are encouraged to address the selection criteria in the context of one of the portfolios: Teaching and Learning, Students or People and Culture.

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.

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 Karena Shearing, Principal on 0417 975 *** or emailing ***************@education.wa.edu.au

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at ***************@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period.

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. 

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

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.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

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 three (3) 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
  • Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
  • High-level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
  • 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.).
  • Demonstrated capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

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

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 41***for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/DP1060977

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Wednesday, 26 August 2026