Overview Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time Salary: Salary not specified Grade: Principal - Range 4 Occupation: Principal and assistant principal Location: Gippsland - South Gippsland Reference: 1523510 Selection Criteria (a) Vision and values Demonstrated capacity to create a shared vision, define and gain acceptance of school goals and set and communicate expectations for effective performance. (b) Teaching and Learning Demonstrated ability to manage the quality of teaching and create a positive culture of challenge, support and collaboration. (c) Improvement, Innovation and Change Demonstrated capacity to produce and implement clear, evidence-based improvement plans and policies and lead innovation and change. (d) Management Demonstrated capacity to ensure that the school's human, physical and financial resources are efficiently allocated and managed. (e) Development Demonstrated capacity to create a professional learning community that is focused on the continuous improvement of teaching and learning, supporting all staff to achieve high standards and commitment to their own learning and wellbeing. (f) Engagement Demonstrated capacity to develop positive relationships with students, parents/families and the local community and participate in and contribute to system-level activities. 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:
* ensure the delivery of a comprehensive education program to all students
* be executive officer of the school council.
* establish and manage financial systems in accordance with the Department and school council requirements.
* represent the Department in the school and the local community.
* implement decisions of the school council.
* contribute to system-wide activities, including policy and strategic planning and development.
* manage and integrate the resources available to the school.
* appropriately involve staff, students and the community in the development, implementation and review of school policies, programs and operations.
* 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. Diversity and Inclusion The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school. 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: https:///pal/child-safe-standards/policy DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department'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 department values is available at: https:///pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview Conditions of Employment
* All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
* Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
* A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
* Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http:///hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
Qualification Requirements To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class:
* The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and
* if the person completed an Australian postgraduate level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, they must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed a postgraduate level accredited initial teacher education program that has been accredited by an Australian State or Territory Teacher Regulatory Authority as satisfying the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 'Accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures'; and
* a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program after 1 July 2016 must also 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 ITE program completed by the person).
Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools. VAPA Requirement To be eligible for appointment as a principal a person must either:
* Be a substantive Principal of a registered school in Victoria; or
* Have a statement of readiness following completion of the Victorian Aspiring Principal Assessment.
Location Profile Principal Opportunity - Korumburra Secondary College Korumburra Secondary College is seeking to fill an outstanding leadership opportunity for an innovative and community-focused educator to lead a proud, inclusive, and forward-thinking school. Located in the heart of South Gippsland, within a vibrant regional community, Korumburra offers an exceptional lifestyle balance-combining the natural beauty of rolling hills and nearby coastal destinations with a strong sense of local connection and support. Just a short drive from Leongatha, Inverloch, and the Bass Coast, the region provides an enviable setting for both professional fulfilment and personal wellbeing. Korumburra Secondary College is nestled in 30 acres of Bunurong/Boonwurrung Country, 120 kilometres from Naarm/Melbourne and 20 kilometres from Wareeny/sea on Yalluk Balluk lands of the Bass Coast. The college is surrounded by farms in a thriving town setting and only a 90-minute drive from the city. Our inclusive community is continually expanding in its diversity, and we are committed to attracting and retaining diversity across both our student body and our staff. The college inspires sporting successes, intellectual curiosity, artistic creativity and environmental leadership in students, where the school values of Resilience, Excellence, Effort and Kindness are celebrated. Our LikeMinds program students receive project-based foundations in learning, Vocational Major students are engaged in a robust program for hands-on learning, the Yarning Circle is in its third year of contributing to the Graduation Possum-skin Cloak, and all students benefit from quarterly Student 360 interviews with their teacher mentors, which is unique to and highly valued by our school culture. Creative expressions are fostered by performance opportunities throughout the year - both in and aside from the South Gippsland Schools Music Program (SGSMP) - and the annual Art Show of VCE VM portfolios. Student leadership via the Student Action Leadership Team (SALT) and the Environment Group exist to provide experiences our students can take into post-formal schooling life. We know our students, and we support them to achieve their personalised high expectations. About the School Korumburra Secondary College is a welcoming and inclusive learning environment with approximately 420 students (Years 7-12) enrolled. The college has approximately 38 teachers and 24 Education Support staff with a Leadership Team comprising a Principal, two Assistant Principals, two Leading Teachers and two Learning Specialists. The college maintains a strong culture where every student is known, valued, and supported. The school is deeply committed to fostering:
* Respectful relationships
* High expectations and achievement
* Resilience and personal growth
* A strong sense of belonging and wellbeing
Student Family Occupation (SFOE) index: 0.4037 (medium), reflecting a diverse regional community with strong support networks. Why Korumburra?
* Strong and supportive school community
* Opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact
* Access to an exceptional regional lifestyle
* A school with clear direction and growth potential
Student Outcomes & Performance Korumburra Secondary College continues to demonstrate steady improvement across Key Performance Indicators:
* VCE completion rate: ~90-95%
* Median study score: ~26-28
* % study scores 30+: ~18-22%
* Senior Secondary completion (Year 12 or equivalent): ~95%+
* VCE-VM / applied learning engagement: ~35-45% of senior cohort
NAPLAN (Year 9): o Reading & Numeracy typically at or slightly above similar schools o Strong student growth (Year 7-9) in literacy
* Student Attitudes to School Survey:
o Positive endorsement for Teacher-Student Relationships: ~75-80% o Sense of Connectedness: ~70-75%
* Attendance rates: ~88-91% (with targeted improvement strategies in place)
Key Programs and Strengths
* Strong VCE and VCE-VM pathways, supporting diverse post-school outcomes
* Expanding Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs aligned to regional industries such as agriculture, trades, and health
A comprehensive student wellbeing framework, including: o Mental health support programs o Individual learning plans o Inclusive education practices
* Established School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) or similar framework
* Strong transition programs with local primary schools
* Growing student leadership and voice initiatives
* Investment in digital learning and contemporary pedagogy
Strategic Targets (2025-2029) The college is focused on continuous improvement, with clear strategic priorities: Learning & Achievement
* Increase % of VCE study scores above 30 to 25%+
* Improve median study score to 28+
* Achieve top quartile growth in NAPLAN literacy and numeracy
Engagement & Wellbeing
* Increase student attendance to 93%+
* Improve Attitudes to School Survey positive endorsement (connectedness) to 80%+
* Reduce student absence and disengagement in Years 9-10
Pathways
* Maintain 95%+ senior secondary completion
* Increase students in meaningful post-school pathways (employment, TAFE, university) to 90%+
Community Connection Korumburra Secondary College sits at the heart of its community. Families, staff, and local stakeholders work in partnership to create a supportive and aspirational environment. The college benefits from:
* Strong partnerships with local employers and industry
* Active engagement with community groups and services
* A supportive and highly invested parent community
This provides a rich platform for place-based learning and real-world student opportunities. The Opportunity
* We are seeking a visionary and collaborative leader who will:
* Inspire excellence in teaching and learning
* Use data to drive measurable improvement
* Strengthen community and industry partnerships
* Lead with integrity, empathy, and clarity
* Champion inclusion, wellbeing, and high expectations for all students
This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a school where leadership is visible, valued, and deeply connected to its community. Korumburra Secondary College Where community, opportunity, and leadership come together. Applications close Thursday 30 April Posted 2 April 2026