Role
The assistant principal reports directly to the principal.
Assistant principals have a primary responsibility for the management of significant areas or functions within the school to ensure the effective development, provision and evaluation of the school's education program. In exercising the responsibility, assistant principals will have the authority to make all significant decisions relating to the program, budget and staff relating to their area of designated responsibility within the framework of the school's strategic plan, policies and budget. Assistant principals will contribute to the overall management of the school through involvement in policy formulation and decision making.
The management of significant school program or functional areas in schools involve assistant principals in the analysis of the needs of students and the translation of state educational policy and frameworks into appropriate education programs to meet the needs of all students.
Typically assistant principals will be responsible for the effective use of the teaching staff and program budget of a defined area of the school's operation and for the oversight and leadership of the educational programs provided utilising these resources.
Responsibilities
Typically, assistant principals perform one or more of the following functions:
1. supervision and coordination of the work of senior curriculum or level coordinators;
2. allocation of budgets, positions of responsibility and other resources within the area of responsibility;
3. supervision of the delivery of teaching programs;
4. management of programs to improve the knowledge and experience of staff;
5. responsibility for general discipline matters beyond the management of classroom teachers and year level coordinators;
6. contribute to the overall management of the school;
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
7. All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
8. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
9. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
10. 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.
Location Profile
Location Profile
Somerville Rise Primary School is a vibrant and nurturing educational institution situated in the heart of Somerville, located in the southern part of Melbourne.
Established in 1995, the school is dedicated to providing high-quality education and holistic development opportunities for all learners. Our current student enrolment is approx. 150 students from various backgrounds and offers an enriching learning environment for students to thrive and reach their full potential.
The school is nestled in a warm and friendly community, with a mix of residential areas and green spaces. Somerville is known for its tranquil atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for young learners to focus on their studies while enjoying a peaceful and safe environment. The local community is closely involved with the school, fostering a strong sense of belonging and support. Somerville Rise Primary School forms part of a strong Educational Precinct with Tillerkite Early Learning Centre and Somerville Secondary College.
Our school boasts modern and well-maintained facilities that cater to the various needs of its students. These facilities include:
11. Spacious Classrooms: Equipped with state-of-the-art teaching tools and technology, the classrooms provide an interactive and engaging learning environment.
12. Library: The school's well-stocked library encourages a love for reading and research, supporting students' intellectual growth.
13. Sports Grounds: The school takes physical education seriously and offers ample space for sports and outdoor activities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
14. Arts and Music Spaces: Dedicated areas for arts and music classes inspire creativity and artistic expression among students.
15. The Barn: The home of our environmental science subject.
16. Ample play spaces and playground: A safe and fun playground allows children to play and socialize during break times, fostering physical and social development.
Somerville Rise Primary School offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Highly qualified and experienced teachers are committed to providing personalised attention to each student, catering to their individual learning needs. Our school is a Professional Learning Community to ensure a collaborative approach to teaching and learning.
We are seeking an Assistant Principal who is enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about students, leadership, and curriculum design. Our staff look forward to welcoming a substantive Assistant Principal who is committed to working with staff to further strengthen their confidence, knowledge and capacity to plan and teach for personalised learning. The Assistant Principal role will include:
17. Coaching/mentoring, and work closely with the school’s Learning Specialist, teachers, and ES staff.
18. Supporting the Principal with curriculum design development and implementing programs across the school.
19. Completing administration tasks.
20. Allocated teaching role to support the specialist program.
Applicants wishing to find out more information about our school or the position may contact the Principal, Matt Jackson, via email at or on the telephone on 5977 8500.
At Somerville Rise Primary School we encourage the development of the whole student and support learners to become reflective thinkers through an inquiry-based approach. We promote, creativity, celebrate individual strengths and provide opportunities for students to develop the essential skills to be active participants in a global community.
Somerville Rise Primary School utilised a Positive Behaviours For Learning approach by Introducing, modelling, teaching and continually reinforcing the positive and social behaviours that are important in order to be a successful learner.
Somerville Rise Primary School is committed to:
21. To provide an educational program that develops students’ curiosity and creativity.
22. To develop responsible and engaged learners.
23. To foster respectful relationships and empathy towards others.
24. To build each student’s resilience and self-esteem.
25. To provide a curriculum that supports critical and reflective thinkers, celebrates individual strengths and allows all students to succeed.
26. To promote a strong, supportive partnership between home and the school and the wider community.
Our school is committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment for all students. Students can reach their full educational potential only when they are happy, healthy and safe, and when there is a positive school culture to engage and support them in their learning.