Role
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.
Responsibilities
Typically, assistant principals perform one or more of the following functions:
1. supervision and co¿ordination of the work of senior curriculum or level co¿ordinators;
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 teaching staff;
5. responsibility for general discipline matters beyond the management of classroom teachers and year level co¿ordinators;
6. contribute to the overall management of the school;
7. the selection/assigning of staff to positions of responsibility;
8. determining the final form of any curriculum proposals which go to school council;
9. the appraisal of the work of subject co¿ordinators;
10. responsibility for decisions relating to employment of short¿term replacement teachers;
11. development and management of the school code of conduct;
12. selection of year level co¿ordinators;
13. appraisal of the work of year level co¿ordinators.
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:
Other Information
14. All staff employed by the department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
15. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
16. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
17. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at
Please ensure that your application includes:
18. A resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home)
19. A section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
20. Names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application.
Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name. Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action.
Conditions of Employment
21. All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
22. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
23. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
24. 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
At River Gum Primary School our school vision is that students own their learning and our teachers use their pedagogical knowledge to personalise learning. We value community, relationship and reflection. Our core values are Respect, Equality, Inclusion and Excellence and our school motto is “Together we can … For every child, every day in every classroom”. We believe our school provides a supportive and productive learning environment where all students can access success by fostering positive relationships and knowing each student.
Our school is located in Hampton Park, a suburb in the City of Casey and Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor. We are proud of our school community, and with a history of over 30 years our school caters for a wide range of social, economic and cultural backgrounds.
At River Gum, emphasis is placed on professional growth, individual accountability and collective efficacy through regular coaching and professional development linked to school priorities.
Professional Learning Communities work together to collectively impact student growth, through the use of the improvement cycle.
Our school recognises the importance of research based frameworks for the design and delivery of quality whole school agreed curriculum learning approaches. All lessons are delivered through an Instructional Model as an entry point for establishing consistency and accountability in teacher practice and high expectations for all students.
Whole school approaches are used in both English and Mathematics. In English students participate in a Readers and Writers Workshop daily and Fluency lessons. Mathematics is based upon The Big Ideas in Number.
Our belief in a guaranteed and viable curriculum frames all learning in Mathematics and English supported by a documented curriculum. Learning is differentiated, and we use a tiered model of intervention to support learners.
We offer a variety of experiences to engage our students through Specialist subjects including Music, Science & Technology, Physical Education & Visual Arts.