Assistant Principal-Range 3

Northcote High is a vibrant co-educational school in the inner north of Melbourne. The school has a rich intellectual culture that promotes connection with the community and with learning.  Northcote High is a proudly local school appreciated by its community with an enrolment of almost 1800 students and 150 staff. Anticipated school growth is informed by school and student achievements alongside a growing youth demographic in the Darebin LGA. As such, a Campus Master Planning process is underway support the development of facilities to best serve our students’ needs now and into the future.

Our teachers explicit focus on classroom instruction, on building relationships and on knowing students as learners is fundamental to maintaining outstanding outcomes for students. We are focussed on creating the conditions for success through a commitment to shared practice, reflective collegial work and implementing the schools agreed frameworks to support and extend all learners. Teachers as learners is an integral part of our vision and values, and we provide a comprehensive school led professional learning and enrichment program. The expertise and dedication of the staff is undoubtedly a strength of the school and our goal to be an employer of choice is supported by the range of development opportunities we seek for our staff.

In 2016 the school celebrated its’ 90th year and being one of only a few public high schools to continuously offer an excellent secondary education throughout this time. We remain steadfastly focused on maintaining a tradition of academic excellence, whilst developing innovative teaching and learning programs to equip our students with the skills required for a changing future. Our vibrant co-curricular programs provide valuable opportunities for students to learn, grow and build community in and beyond the school. International engagement is also a feature of the school.  We celebrate an active sister school program in China for over 20 years, a vibrant international student program, and have recently commenced delivery of Offshore VCE programs in two locations in China.

Key documents for applicants such as our Teaching and Learning Framework, curriculum models, AIP and Strategic Plan can be viewed on our school website.

SC1 Educational leadership

(i) Outstanding capacity for visionary and exemplary educational leadership of a school or college.

(ii) Highly developed skills in leading and managing change including the leadership of others in the process of change.

(i) Outstanding financial, organisational and resource management skills.

SC3 Planning, policy and program development and review

(i) Exemplary values appropriate to the development of student learning with a demonstrated capacity to achieve high quality student outcomes.

(ii) Demonstrated ability to implement Department policies to a high level.

(iii) An understanding of, and a commitment to, the use of learning technologies to improve teaching and learning.

(i) A highly developed capacity to motivate staff, develop their talents and build an effective team.

(ii) A clear capacity to foster a learning environment that takes account of the individual needs of students and helps students to develop their special abilities and talents.

(i) Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills in individual, small group and community contexts.

(ii) Exemplary values pertaining to personal qualities of objectivity, sensitivity and integrity.

(iii) An ability to work with parents and the community to develop a strong learning environment.

(i) Demonstrated ability to advocate for, engage with and influence all stakeholders within the community in order to promote change and innovation. (NHS additional criteria).

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.

Typically, assistant principals perform one or more of the following functions:

   - supervision and coordination of the work of senior curriculum or level coordinators;

   - allocation of budgets, positions of responsibility and other resources within the area of responsibility;

   - supervision of the delivery of teaching programs;

   - management of programs to improve the knowledge and experience of staff;

   - responsibility for general discipline matters beyond the management of classroom teachers and year level coordinators;

   - contribute to the overall management of the school;

Appropriately qualified individuals currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.

The Department values diversity and is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunity in schools and all education workplaces. 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.

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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/protect/Pages/childsafestandards.aspx

Advice to Applicants

School Tours

The Principal Team will be conducting tours of the school – see dates below. 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the school.

Tuesday 10 July               4:30pm

Tuesday 17 July               4:30pm

Written Applications

Applicants are free to structure applications in any manner they choose, but must ensure that the following are included:

• A specific response to all of the Key Selection Criteria and position details.  It is suggested that applicants limit their response to no more than 1 per page per section criteria.
• A Cover Letter introducing yourself and providing your name, record number (if currently employed by DET), home address, telephone numbers (home, work and mobile) and the vacancy number of the position.
• A summary of experience and qualifications.
• The names and contact details of three referees who can provide information regarding the applicant in relation to the Key Selection Criteria. 

Please note: The selection panel may contact referees other than those listed.

Selection Panel 

• Principal
• Principal Nominee
• Leadership Team member
• Staff representative

The Selection Process will involve the following steps:  

Receipt of application by the closing date Short listing of applicants Interview process (applicants may be invited back for a second interview) Referee Checks (these may occur prior and /or after the interviews).

Note: The panel reserves the right to contact others outside of the list of referees provided by the applicant.

On making a decision to appoint, a job offer will be made to the successful applicant.

Further Information

Please contact:  Principal Sue Harrap on 9488 2332 or 0477 332 673

• 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.