Deputy Principal - Waterford West State School
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Are you a relational and future‑focused school leader committed to creating calm, consistent and supportive early‑years environments where every child can thrive? Waterford West State School is seeking a dedicated Deputy Principal to lead our Prep & Year 1 sector to high‑quality teaching, early‑years engagement and strong partnerships with staff and families.
In this role, you will guide predictable routines, trauma‑aware and inclusive practices, and early intervention systems that strengthen belonging, safety and learning every day. You will also play a key role on the Executive Leadership Team and lead one of the school’s strategic improvement pillars, contributing to whole‑school success.
Our Great School
Representing more than 50 cultural backgrounds, our school is guided by the values of Learning, Respect and Responsibility, with a strong commitment to inclusive, trauma‑aware and high‑quality early‑years education.
Your Opportunity
As the Deputy Principal for the Prep/1 sector, you will lead early‑years teaching, engagement and well‑being to ensure every child experiences a safe, calm and successful start to schooling. You will work closely with teachers, support staff and families to build strong relationships that enhance connection, communication and trust across the early years.
Your Role
This position will hold responsibility for leading all aspects of the Prep/Year 1 sector, including:
* Early‑years pedagogy
* Student engagement and behaviour response
* Instructional leadership
* Staff capability development
* Community engagement
* Well‑being and inclusion
In addition, this Deputy Principal will take carriage of one of the school’s strategic improvement pillars, to be confirmed in consultation with the principal and existing Deputy Principals. This provides an opportunity to lead school‑wide improvement aligned to our Strategic Plan and Annual Improvement Plan.
The role reports directly to the Principal and is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to whole‑school decision‑making, improvement planning and operational leadership.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist the Principal to lead and embed a shared educational vision focused on quality learning outcomes for all students.
* Deputise for the Principal when required.
* Uphold the deputy principalship as a values‑based, ethical and moral leadership role.
* Embed socially just and inclusive practices in daily school life.
* Set high expectations for staff and student performance across the Prep/1 sector.
* Lead and support effective early‑years pedagogy, ensuring strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, engagement and well‑being.
* Actively participate in professional learning and ongoing development, modelling lifelong learning.
* Build collaborative partnerships with families, community services and external agencies, ensuring clear communication and strong early engagement.
* Apply strategic thinking and analysis to improve learning, attendance and engagement data across the sector.
* Manage human, financial and physical resources aligned to school and early‑years priorities.
About You
We are looking for someone who will:
* Be a relational, future‑focused leader who understands that strong partnerships with staff and families are essential to early‑years success.
* Bring a deep commitment to building trust, connection and consistency across teams.
* Have strong early‑years instructional leadership and the ability to lift the quality of teaching and learning.
* Possess highly developed interpersonal skills that foster positive professional relationships with staff, students and families alike.
* Commit to ethical, inclusive and socially just leadership.
* Have the ability to lead proactive, trauma‑aware and restorative practices that create calm, predictable learning environments.
Application Process
Please refer to the attached role description for the full list of responsibilities and mandatory requirements for this position.
Interested? To apply, please:
* Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should be familiar with your relevant work history).
* Attach a written statement (2‑page maximum) addressing Key Capabilities 1‑4 as per Role Description “How you will be assessed” section.
* Attach a copy of the mandatory requirements outlined in the attached role description.
We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive. Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
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