Principal/School Administrator

Role summary

Role: Principal

Location: Nollamara, Perth, Western Australia

FTE: Full time

Commencement: Term 3, 2024. Start date negotiable for the right candidate

Remuneration: commensurate with experience

West Coast Steiner School

West Coast Steiner School is a vibrant and nurturing educational community committed to providing a holistic and innovative Steiner education. Our school is dedicated to fostering the development of well-rounded individuals with a deep connection to both their academic and personal growth.

We are an Independent School offering classes from Baby Group to Class Six. We have a well-established and deeply committed College of Teachers representing Early Childhood and Primary faculties; talented specialist teachers; highly capable learning support staff and education assistants; and a strong and supportive management and leadership team. School activities are enhanced by our lively community association. The School is conveniently located fifteen minutes from Perth’s stunning coastline, and is a similar distance from the CBD. Our beautiful nature-based playgrounds are managed by our hard-working grounds and maintenance personnel.

Role Overview

As the Principal of West Coast Steiner School, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring delivery of an education that encourages and supports the development of self-directed human beings dedicated to the pursuit of ongoing learning and eager to contribute positively to a healthy global future. You will have a commitment to the ideals, insights and pedagogical methods of Rudolf Steiner, who stated: “Our highest endeavour must be to develop free human beings, who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives.” You will have experience in a Principal/School Administrator role and a proven track record of providing visionary leadership to students, staff, and the broader community.

Responsibilities include:

1. Educational Leadership:
   • Provide visionary leadership to promote academic excellence, innovation and continuous improvement in line with Steiner education principles.
   • Foster a positive and engaging learning environment that supports the holistic development of each student.
2. Community Engagement:
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, guardians, and the wider community.
   • Act as a spokesperson for the school, representing our values and ethos to external stakeholders.
3. Staff Development:
   • Lead, inspire, and support a dedicated team of educators and staff.
   • Foster a collaborative and positive work culture, encouraging professional development and growth.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in a Principal or leadership role within an educational institution.
• Understanding of and experience in Steiner education principles or a willingness to learn.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with students, staff, and the wider community.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

How to apply:

1. A cover letter of no more than one page or 300 words, introducing yourself and expressing why you are interested in the position.
2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including the following:

1. • relevant qualifications;
   • a full employment history, citing role, organisation and years;
   • contact details for three professional referees, including your current and most recent previous employer.

1. The completed Selection Criteria addressing each of the four domains of vision, education, community and sustainability.

Selection Criteria

Please address each of the following domains of leadership. Provide an introductory paragraph on your philosophy for each and then evidence of two situations for each domain, including the action and result(s) for each in no more than 150 words for each example. Please use the framework provided.

• Situation: Why do you think you needed to plan a strategy for improvement?
• Action: What specific steps did you take to implement the strategy?
• Result(s): What result(s) occurred during and at the end of the process?    

Please answer the following criteria. Applicants are limited to two pages (maximum) per domain:

Vision and Mission

• Demonstrated ability to enhance the identity of the school, aligning with its Vision and Mission.

Education

• Ability to develop and improve practices with staff which address planning and improvement.
• Ability to share beliefs and understandings with staff on student learning and assessment.

Community

• Demonstrated ability to develop positive relationships across the whole school community.

Sustainability

• Demonstrated ability to successfully address school finances, resources and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated sound decision making and organisational skills.

Conditions for Employment

• The following will also need to be provided at Interview, as conditions of employment:

• A clear understanding of the principles of Steiner Education and/or the willingness to deepen your understanding of Steiner Education through professional development.
• Registration with the Teachers Registration Board of WA (TRBWA) or evidence of eligibility for registration, if from another state, territory or country.
• A Working with Children Check Card from the Government of Western Australia.
• Evidence of Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency in Australia, or of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the position.
• A current Criminal Record Clearance (to be obtained prior to commencing employment).

Please note: Your Application Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae and document addressing Selection Criteria in the provided framework should be headed ‘Confidential’ and emailed to The West Coast Council School Chair-Person, Mr Justin Coombs: *****@wcss.wa.edu.au

Interested applicants are welcome to contact Justin by email, should they wish to enquire about the position.

    Applications close Sunday March 31, 2024.