Deputy Principal
This is a 12 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension (12 months) and/or permanency
About Us
Holland Street School is a standout Education Support School in the Midwest Region of Western Australia, providing quality, evidence-based learning experiences for students aged 4–18 with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, autism spectrum disorders, and complex behavioural needs. Situated at the heart of Geraldton City, we serve 70 students from the town and surrounding communities, with small class sizes and a high adult to student ratio.
Our school is guided by the values of Persevere, Achieve and Celebrate and is committed to the belief that we are ‘Inspiring Meaningful Lives.’ We provide a diverse range of programs that support students’ learning, wellbeing and personal growth. These include the Ngaparrtji Ngaparrtji Two-Way Science Program, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, comprehensive, individual, curriculum support, and independent life skills programs such as Phonics for Students with Special Educational Needs, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness and Early Literacy Programs, Everyday Speech, Zones of Regulation, and ASDAN. Students also access a range of therapeutic programs, including ball therapy, hydrotherapy and TACPAC, as well as Career Education, Workplace Learning, and on-site allied health services.
We operate within the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Framework and are committed to promoting positive behaviour, personal safety and emotional wellbeing through Team Teach approaches. To ensure consistency across the school, we embed the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) into our daily practice, fostering a shared, trauma-informed approach to teaching, learning and wellbeing that supports every student to thrive.
Find out more about our school by visiting www.hollandstreetschool.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced, values-driven educational leader to join our team as Deputy Principal. This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference in a specialist school environment where leadership is visible, relationships are everything, and every milestone matters.
You will drive the student services (including, but not limited to: attendance, case management, Individual Education Plan meeting support, Reporting to Parents management etc) component of our leadership team. Working closely with the Principal, you will also champion staff development, manage student wellbeing and behaviour, and build strong connections with families, agencies and the Geraldton community. You will be a key contributor to our Business Plan priorities and a trusted mentor to our talented team of teachers and education assistants.
We are looking for someone who ideally has:
- Special education expertise - Demonstrated working knowledge of special education practice across Kindergarten – Year 12, including IEPs, differentiation and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
- Trauma-informed practice - Training and experience in trauma-informed, therapeutic approaches, including the Berry Street Education Model or equivalent.
- Leadership and mentoring - Proven ability to guide, support and develop staff within a collaborative, values-led school culture.
- Behaviour and engagement - Deep understanding of Positive Behaviour Support and experience implementing school-wide frameworks.
- Communication skills - Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage openly with staff, students, families and the wider community.
- Data-driven improvement - Capacity to use data meaningfully to drive student achievement and school improvement planning.
- Agency partnerships - Experience building networks with external agencies to support students with complex needs. Close liaison with our school nurse.
- Resource management - Capacity to manage staff, physical and financial resources effectively and equitably.
Living and working in Geraldton
Geraldton is Western Australia’s vibrant Midwest coastal city — known for world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing, stunning beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a warm, welcoming community. It offers an exceptional quality of life with affordable housing, excellent schools, and easy access to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and Kalbarri National Park. Regional incentives may apply to eligible applicants.
Professional Benefits
Working for the Department of Education comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. These benefits include competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions. Here are some of the key benefits you will enjoy:
- Country Teaching Program Allowance of $5 000 a year
- District Allowance of $1 239 a year
- 12 percent employer contributions to superannuation
- 12 weeks’ vacation leave (school holidays)
- More than 20 days of other leave, including sick leave and carers’ leave
- Subsidised accommodation where applicable
- Free relocation
Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.
For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at housing.transport@education.wa.edu.au or on (08) 9264 5154.
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 Rachel Rutter, Principal on (08) 9923 6950 or emailing Rachel.Rutter@education.wa.edu.au.
During the school holidays, please contact Rachel Rutter on 0428 950 097.
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 four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A four (4) 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: SS/SS1057804
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 Monday, 17 August 2026