Principal (Community School)

Job No: 113603
Location: Tjuntjuntjara

  • Rewarding opportunity for a hands-on Principal to lead operations of a small community school in WA
  • Fantastic remuneration package circa $141,527 - $152,711 including remote and locality allowances!
  • Free Accommodation and Relocation, plus fantastic paid leave options provided!

About Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School

Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School is an integral part of the Tjuntjuntjara Community, located in the Great Victoria Desert, close to the South Australian border and north of the Nullarbor Plain. Home of the Spinifex people (Pila Nguru), the community was established in 1985, and the school was created shortly after, in 1988. They are committed to maintaining traditional culture whilst preparing students for a rapidly changing world, and offer a broad curriculum with a strong focus on learning English as a second language through the use of Aboriginal Literacy Strategies.

The school experiences strong community support and involvement, with elders acting as valued role models and mentors for the approximately 33 students. The main language spoken in Tjuntjuntjara is Pitjantjatjara, followed by English, and school staff are encouraged and supported to learn about the language, history, and culture of their students, with a focus on supporting the inclusion of Pitjantjatjara language in lessons and classroom displays. 

Despite being part of one of the most remote communities in Australia, Tjuntjuntjara RCS has modern facilities and equipment and maintains unique relationships with multiple organisations and institutions, including the Spinifex Rangers, Notre Dame University and CSIRO. Students are also encouraged to take part in a variety of programs and competitions both locally and around the country.

Your new career awaits

Tjuntjuntjara Remote Community School now has an exciting opportunity for a Principal to join their team on a full-time basis.

Working under state education legislation and department policy, whilst working closely with the Paupiyala Tjarutja Aboriginal Corporation (PTAC) board, the Principal is responsible for providing leadership to the school in strong partnership with the community.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Managing staff development, school assets, administration and general financial tasks;
  • Collaborating with the community to ensure that students can maintain strong cultural connections to Spinifex culture and country;
  • Developing and maintaining an engaging education program that provides success for students within the framework of the state curriculum and policy;
  • Supporting students to move sucessfully from Pre-kindy through to primary school and providing meaningful education pathways for secondary aged students in the community; and
  • Engaging with a variety of stakeholders, both internally and externally.

For more information please view the Tjuntjuntjara Education Agreement and Action Plan here.

What you need to succeed

To be considered for this position you will have a recognised teaching qualification, relevant leadership experience, and be currently registered or eligible for registration to teach in Western Australia.

As a small school with a number of key internal and external stakeholders, you will need to be an expert at building meaningful relationships and to recognise the importance of reciprocity when interacting with the community. You will have a working knowledge of trauma-informed practice and an understanding of the intergenerational and ongoing trauma that is impacting on the Spinifex community and children.

As a state school with significant involvement from the community, you will need to be flexible and able to find the middle ground between community and government responsibilities. Strong collaborative skills will be essential, and you will be capable of taking advice or instruction from community elders on relevant matters, as well as open to learning the subtleties and culture of the Tjuntjuntjara community.

Importantly, Tjuntjuntjara RCS is looking for a Principal with a passion for Indigenous education and a genuine desire to work with the community to improve student engagement and success. You will be flexible in your approach and willing to put in the effort required to become an active member of and leader within the Tjuntjuntjara community. You will be able to tailor your approach to the needs of each student, and able to deal with difficult situations or troubled students as required.

Be Rewarded

This is a rare opportunity to live and work in a close-knit, remote Indigenous community who are proud of their children and their strong culture and history. Whilst this lifestyle can be challenging, it is also a rare opportunity to learn from a unique and supportive community and in return make a direct, positive impact in the lives of children and the Tjuntjuntjara community as a whole. 

In return for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive base salary circa $116,626 - $127,810 plus super, based on your qualifications and experienceDue to the location of the school, you will be awarded a further $24,901 per annum due to the Remote Teaching Service and locality allowances.

You will also enjoy a huge range of benefits, including Free Accommodation and Relocation, and the Remote Teaching Service leave entitlement, which provides 10 weeks additional paid leave after 3 years (6 semesters) of continuous teaching service, 22 weeks after 4 years (8 semesters) of continuous service, and an additional calendar week for each semester completed after that. 

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the following video may contain the images of people who have passed away.

Video produced by Albert Koh.

 

 

If you are looking for a new and rewarding challenge, and the chance to make a real difference in a remote community - Apply Now!

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