This is a 14 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 4, 2025 with possible extension and/or permanency
Derby District High School (DHS) is a dynamic school with a highly motivated, supportive and collaborative staff of over 100 people. With the school motto 'Diligence, Courage and Strength', students work towards high standards of academic and social achievement through participation and engagement in the school's inclusive, safe and stimulating learning environments. The young and vibrant staff brings energy and enthusiasm to classrooms and promotes community responsiveness, ensuring the interests of the students can be addressed in the teaching and learning programs.
The school has an enrolment of almost 650 students, providing education programs for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 (K-12). Students attend the school from the town of Derby and outlying areas including the Aboriginal Communities of Mowanjum and Pandanus Park.
The collaborative approach, exciting work environment and the students make it a great place to teach. Staff are passionate about improving standards in Education, particularly in Aboriginal Education. There is an active and strong social club to ensure that staff are well supported both in and out of school.
Derby is 220 km east of Broome by road and is 2463 km north of Perth. It was the first town settled in the Kimberley. The town is well supported with a range of government infrastructures. Its location near the King Sound and a number of rivers provides for many boating and fishing recreational activities - but not swimming
Find out more about our school by visiting or Schools Online
The Role
Follow the Dream: Partnerships for Success is a support program for aspirational Aboriginal students. The program aims to support Indigenous students to excel academically, complete secondary school and achieve entrance to university. Although university entrance is the primary goal, the program also supports students to achieve other tertiary placements, such as vocational education and training (VET), an apprenticeship or traineeship, or the employment of their choice.
The role of the Program Coordinator involves identifying students for participation in the program and then monitoring and supporting their progress. This involves working closely with classroom teachers and within classrooms to ensure student academic success and general wellbeing.
Additionally, the Program Coordinator will work with students providing subject advice and career guidance. The role involves organising extra-curricular activities and selecting and supporting tutors in the enrichment centre. The successful applicant will require the ability to work effectively with key stakeholders including a number of 'outreach' schools, local steering committee, parents and school staff.
The successful applicant will possess an understanding of the program intent, requirements and an appreciation of issues regarding Aboriginal education, students and cultural perspectives.
Professional Benefits
Working for the Department of Education comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. These benefits include competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions. Here are some of the key benefits you will enjoy:
* Attractive Country Teaching Program Allowance of $13 730 per year
* District allowance of $7 436 a year
* Temporary Attraction and Retention Incentive of $5 000 see info below.
* 12 percent employer contributions to superannuation
* 12 weeks' vacation leave (school holidays)
* More than 20 days of other leave, including sick leave and carers' leave
* Subsidised accommodation where applicable
* Free relocation
* Air-conditioning subsidy
* Travel Concessions
You may be eligible for HELP/HECS assistance if you are working in a very remote location – click here for details
Teachers and school administrators employed at Derby District High School in 2025 are eligible to receive a temporary Attraction and Retention Incentive of $5 000 (pa, gross – to be adjusted pro rata for FTE and tenure). Eligible staff will receive a percentage of this payment on commencement at the school, with the remainder paid at the end of the school year. Staff must remain employed in the location until the end of the school year to be eligible to receive the second payment.
The temporary ARI payment is in addition to other incentives that may apply in this school.
Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits .
For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at or on
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 Hilary Carruthers, Associate Principal on or emailing .
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 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 four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
* A five (5) page statement addressing the following selection criteria in 'Situation, Action, Outcome' format as outlined in the attached JDF
* Demonstrated extensive knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning practices, particularly relating to Aboriginal students and their communities.
* Demonstrated extensive skills and experience in developing, implementing and evaluating learning programs and strategies at a school, region or system level.
* Demonstrated capacity to manage physical and financial resources.
* Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership that builds capacity, deals effectively with change and generates innovative solutions related to achieving educational outcomes.
* Demonstrated highly developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to conduct research, prepare reports and establish effective working relationship
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 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: SS/SA992842
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 Friday, 26 September 2025