• Do you want a rewarding leadership opportunity at a vibrant, independent community school?
• Can you lead teams to deliver innovative, rigorous education programs centred around bilingual, practical, culturally safe learning?
• Are you a passionate educator with experience in EAL, literacy, and numeracy development?  
• Highly attractive salary starting from $149,142 plus relocation assistance, four annual flights, free utilities and internet, and free fully furnished accommodation!

About Mäpuru Yirralka College

Join us at Mäpuru Yirralka College, an independent, two-classroom school in north-east Arnhem Land, NT. Since our establishment in 2018, we have enabled Mäpuru families, elders, and custodians to direct the educational programs that take place on the Yolŋu lands surrounding Mäpuru. 

Our College offers an innovative bi-cultural and bi-literacy program that empowers students to be deeply embedded within their Yolngu identity, strengthening traditions and cultural dignity at the same time as providing a solid foundation to participate confidently in the broader Western world.

Our students speak Djambarrpuyŋu as a first language and are learning to speak English as an additional language. With an average attendance of 35 students, which increases to 50 in the dry season, our College has two multi-year level classrooms, 'Primary' and 'Secondary'. Each class is supported by a teaching team of two local Yolŋu co-teachers and a qualified full-time teacher. Other teaching spaces, include the Applied Learning areas, the Ranger precinct, and the library. Parents and extended family members' involvement in class and school activities are actively encouraged.

While most of our students are school-age, we are a community institution that welcomes learners of all ages.

Our commitment is to walk alongside community members to educate the next generations of young people to achieve their aspirations and build self-determined futures.

Join us in shaping the future leaders of the Yolŋu community!

A Uniquely Rewarding Opportunity

We now have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Principal to join our team in north-east Arnhem Land, NT, on a two-year contract with the option to extend. 

You will implement the College's strategic direction, embodying our vision of 'self-determined lives of dignity on ancestral estates' by implementing a bi-cultural and bi-literacy education program that sets high expectations for both students and teachers.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the College with the Yolŋu Principal to nurture a collaborative and respectful leadership culture
• Implementing a rigorous, broad bi-literacy and bi-cultural education program that cognitively and intellectually challenges and sets high expectations for both students and teachers
• Enhancing staff capabilities through recruitment, induction, and professional development
• Engaging with community elders to ensure the College's role as a community-owned and driven educational institution.
• Overseeing financial, resource, and infrastructure management to promote College growth and sustainability
• Ensuring adherence to governance, reporting, and regulatory standards

For the full position description, please click here.

Your Skills: Educate, Lead, Inspire

To qualify, you will need a passion for immersive, hands-on teaching, deeply valuing the opportunity to be closely involved in the educational development of students and teachers. While not a prerequisite, previous background or experience in education systems of remote or rural areas will be highly valued.

Demonstrated deep respect for Aboriginal cultures and the ability to work alongside, in collaboration with, and take direction from Aboriginal elders and teachers is critical in this role. 

Experience in a leadership role within an educational setting is crucial, as is a background in primary or middle years teaching.

Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory, or eligibility for it, is a must. If you have experience working in remote roles or with Aboriginal and culturally diverse learners, it will greatly enhance your application.

Moreover, we value the following qualifications:

• Expertise in EAL/D and bilingual education
• Proven ability to develop and manage creative and engaging educational programs
• A track record in policy and procedure implementation within a school setting
• Strong organizational and planning skills

As our ideal candidate, you will exhibit a profound respect for Aboriginal cultures and a readiness to listen and learn from community members. Your adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to collaborative teaching and learning will see you thrive.

You possess a professional acumen for understanding and respecting your personal and professional boundaries, maintaining them with confidence and clarity.

Your leadership skills will not only guide our team but also inspire the next generation of educators, making you a perfect fit for our community-driven educational model.

Please note: Before commencing you must possess a current Working With Children (OCHRE) card, a current National Police Clearance, and a current, unrestricted Australian Manual Driver's Licence. Your own car would be an advantage, with school vehicles to be used exclusively for school business and not private use.

About the Benefits

Your salary of $149,142 is negotiable upwards based on your skills and experience. If you hold Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher status, that amount will be added to your package.

We ensure competitive compensation and will additionally match study leave entitlements gained with the NT government after three years of service with Yirralka Education.

Other benefits include:

• Relocation assistance 
• Remote Area Allowance 
• Free, fully furnished, 2-bedroom fully-equipped accommodation
• All modern utilities, including phone, internet, and electricity provided
• Four return flights to Darwin each year
• Retention allowance increases for each year you choose to stay
• Remote study leave
• And many more!

In addition, you will be privileged through the opportunity to live and learn on ancestral country with the Yolŋu custodians. You will be joining a peaceful community, where residents live a sustainable lifestyle, connected to the natural environment. The town is wholly solar-powered with crystal clear, spring water.

This is your chance to take on a key leadership position and support the students of a local community that's truly passionate about education - Apply Now!