This is a six (6) month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 3, 2026 with possible extension and/or permanency
Governor Stirling Senior High School (SHS), situated on the banks of the Swan River in Woodbridge, was re-opened in 2013 with state-of-the-art facilities, catering for students of varying abilities and offering the Department of Education Gifted and Talented Academic Program, a range of academic and Vocational Education Training (VET) programs and Approved Specialist Programs in Engineering, Arts Media, and AFL Football. Governor Stirling SHS prepares students for life after high school with many options for academic and vocational pathways. Governor Stirling SHS promotes a positive classroom environment and encourages students to progress to their potential by embedding our values of Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, Tolerance and Personal Excellence.
Instructional leadership, good for leadership opportunity, building growth, maintain and continue on the growth journey that the department is currently on, best practice.
Find out more about our school by visiting govo.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
The Role
Governor Stirling SHS is seeking to appoint a dynamic and innovative Head of Learning Area (HoLA) - Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) and Languages to join our leadership team. The successful applicant will ideally possess a commitment to leading teaching and learning through a positive, student-centred approach.
As part of the leadership team at Governor Stirling SHS, the HoLA for HaSS/Languages would lead high quality teaching, fostering a positive learning environment across the whole school, not only HaSS and Languages. Our Instructional Framework underpins our relentless drive for high-quality teaching and learning, and the successful applicant would take a lead role in reflecting and assessing the effectiveness of our teaching practice. The ideal candidate should maintain and continue to promote an environment of active and positive learning and provide educational opportunities and activities which enable all students to achieve to their potential. With outstanding interpersonal skills, the successful applicant will ideally effectively lead colleagues and work collaboratively with the school community to achieve the best educational outcomes for all students. The HoLA has an integral role in modelling exemplary practice and building the capacity of their team to ensure high standards for all students.
Although this position has a focus on HaSS and Languages, we are looking for an outstanding leader to drive our focus on high quality teaching and learning across the entire school and, as such, we value your leadership qualities and your ability to establish outstanding relationships with staff, students, and the wider school community. This role is well suited to aspirational leaders, including 2IC’s, who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. The successful applicant will be supported to further develop skills in strategic leadership, staff development and whole-school impact.
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 Natalie Tempone, Deputy Principal, on (08) 6274 0300 or by emailing natalie.tempone@education.wa.edu.au.
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:
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 three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position.
- A three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF.
- Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
- High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
- 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).
- 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/SA1044946
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 Tuesday, 2 June 2026
