This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027

Rockingham Senior High School (SHS) is a proud Independent Public School, we are committed to building REAL futures by fostering a culture of high expectations, strong relationships and quality teaching. Our focus is to ensure every student feels supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their personal best.

Since opening our doors in 1971, Rockingham SHS has provided a high-quality education in a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environment. With approximately 1100 students from Years 7 to 12, we take pride in knowing our students as individuals and supporting them to grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Beyond the classroom, we believe education is about developing the whole person. Our programs support leadership, creativity and teamwork, helping students become confident and capable young people. As a proudly multicultural school, we celebrate diversity and create a welcoming environment where every student and family feels they belong.

Our dedicated staff are passionate about teaching and learning, and they work closely with families and the wider community to support each student's journey. Strong partnerships with parents, local businesses and community organisations play a vital role in the success of our school.

Find out more about our school by visiting rockingham.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.

The Role

Rockingham SHS is seeking an outstanding educational leader to join our Executive Team as Associate Principal. The Associate Principal plays a pivotal role in leading the school's Positive Culture portfolio, providing strategic and operational leadership across student wellbeing, attendance, behaviour, inclusion, community engagement and cultural responsiveness.

Working collaboratively with the Principal and Executive Team, the successful applicant will ideally drive the implementation of whole-school systems and practices that promote high expectations, positive relationships and strong student engagement. The Associate Principal leads initiatives that strengthen attendance, enhance student wellbeing, support positive behaviour, and foster a sense of belonging for all students. Experience leading Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), restorative approaches and utilise Positive Behaviour School initiatives to increase positive behaviour among students will be highly regarded.

The successful applicant will ideally show the ability to use data to identify trends, evaluate impact and inform decision-making, while working closely with staff to build collective responsibility for student engagement and success, supporting the consistent implementation of school-wide processes and expectations. A proven ability to lead change, develop staff capability and establish effective partnerships with families and external agencies will be highly valued.

As a member of the Executive Team, the Associate Principal will contribute broadly to the strategic direction and continuous improvement of the school. They will be a visible and approachable leader who can foster strong connections within the school community and support Rockingham SHS's commitment to becoming the school of choice within the local area.

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Donna McDonald, Principal on (08) 9527 0300 or emailing Donna.McDonald@education.wa.edu.au.

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at schoolsrecruitment@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period.

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
• obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.

Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one (1) being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include:

• A CV of up to five (5) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A four (4) statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
  1. Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
  2. High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
  3. Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high level of educational outcomes for all students, (e.g. Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs).
  4. Demonstrated capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/DP1071295

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 27 November 2026