Role
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.
Responsibilities
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:
1. ensure the delivery of a comprehensive education program to all students
2. be executive officer of the school council.
3. establish and manage financial systems in accordance with the Department and school council requirements.
4. represent the Department in the school and the local community.
5. implement decisions of the school council.
6. contribute to system-wide activities, including policy and strategic planning and development.
7. manage and integrate the resources available to the school.
8. appropriately involve staff, students and the community in the development, implementation and review of school policies, programs and operations.
9. report to the Department, school community, parents and students on the achievements of the school and of individual students as appropriate.
Who May Apply
Appropriately qualified individuals currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
EEO AND OHS Commitment
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms – gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, 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 family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see ).
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants can contact Brett West, Yamatji man, in the Koorie Outcomes Division to talk about the recruitment process, the Department and supports for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the Department. Mobile: 0477 726 801 or email on:
Child Safe Standards
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:
DE Values
The Department’s employees commit to upholding DE’s Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DE’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 DE values is available at:
Conditions of Employment
10. All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
11. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
12. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
13. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at
VIT LANTITE
To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class a person must have provisional or full registration from the Victorian Institute of Teaching. In addition, from 3 August 2020, to be eligible for employment in the principal class or teacher class, a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education program after 1 July 2016, must demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements. This condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian Initial Teacher Education program completed by the person.
VAPA Requirement
To be eligible for appointment as a principal a person must either already be a Principal or have met the Victorian Aspiring Principal Assessment (VAPA) requirement as follows:
14. For principal positions advertised between 1 August 2021 and 31 December 2021 a person will be required to have registered to undertake the VAPA before being appointed to a principal position.
15. For principal positions advertised on or after from 1 January 2022 a person must have completed the VAPA and be provided with a statement of readiness before they can be appointed to a principal position.
Location Profile
The Barwon Heads Primary School continues to serve the needs of the Barwon Heads Community as it has for over 125 years. Barwon Heads has become a popular coastal village serving as a ‘sea change’ for many families.
We have a current enrolment of 471 across 21 grades and staffing numbers of 42. Our school is committed to building and maintaining a strong learning culture that recognises and celebrates student successes in different ways, chess tournaments, choirs, sports teams, and the arts.
There is a strong emphasis on the teaching Reading Writing and Math at Barwon Heads PS. These key elements of learning are well supported through a balanced program that includes developing world knowledge via inquiry units of work, specialist subjects and learning opportunities in the community.
The school has the confidence of the town with nearly 100% of kindergarten students moving to the primary school. The staff are fully committed to the development of the learner and themselves through professional growth and continued improvement.
The focus of our strategic plan is to continue maximise student achievement in literacy and numeracy and develop and engage students in programs that within our unique environment on the coast at the mouth of the Barwon River. Sustainability and care for our environment are key factors in our future programs, along with our continued commitment to high quality ICT, as we prepare students for life in the 21 century.