Advertised Vacancy Number: PR1067192

This is a 12 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension and/or permanency

This position is being advertised as part of a new recruitment process for principal positions. The requirements at application stage include a mandatory CV template, and a recorded response via the Vieple video platform. Please refer to the attached Applicant Instruction Guide for further information and guidance about the process.

About the Role

As the principal, you will lead with a strong moral purpose and a commitment to enabling every student to learn successfully and reach their full potential. You will foster an environment where each learner’s talents are recognised, nurtured, and developed, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for lifelong success. You demonstrate an understanding of the power of education to overcome disadvantage and are committed to supporting the growth and wellbeing of every student.

You will build and sustain strong, purposeful relationships across the school community and with external stakeholders, recognising that achieving the school’s mission requires collective effort. Your leadership will promote a cohesive and inclusive school culture focused on meeting the diverse learning needs of all students and enabling them to thrive.

A key aspect of this role involves strategically allocating and developing resources - including time, staff expertise, funding, facilities, policies, and partnerships - to maximise student outcomes and strengthen teaching and learning across the school.

You will drive continuous improvement by prioritising high-quality classroom teaching and building teacher capacity for sustained improvement. Your decisions will be evidence based and informed by quality data to identify needs, set clear goals, monitor progress, and evaluate impact. You will refine school practices and lead significant change where required across programs, curriculum, processes, facilities, or culture to enhance student learning and wellbeing.

To be successful in this role you will be open minded, flexible, and guided by strong personal and professional values. You will demonstrate resilience, optimism, and high expectations for yourself, your staff, and your students. The school’s success will be shaped by your personal qualities, values, beliefs, attitudes, and skills which will underpin all strategic actions and contribute to a positive, future focused school environment.

Shark Bay School is part of the Desert Coast Network and is committed to the Midwest Targeted Teaching Program based on evidence-based practice. The school has developed extensive programs to support all students including students with complex needs and students with a disability. As the Principal, you will have excellent interpersonal and public relations skills, whilst understanding the importance of working with the local community.

You will have a strong understanding of leading a culturally responsive school, valuing the local Aboriginal community.

About Shark Bay School

Shark Bay School is a caring and inclusive learning community located within one of Western Australia's most unique natural and cultural environments. Situated in a World Heritage Area 900km from Perth, the school provides exceptional opportunities for students to learn and grow in a setting that values educational excellence, sustainability and strong community connections. Guided by a commitment to unleashing every student's full potential, the school fosters a culture where learning, wellbeing and success are shared responsibilities.

At the heart of Shark Bay School is a belief that happy, engaged and successful students are supported through strong relationships between staff, families and the wider community. The school is committed to creating safe, culturally responsive and high-quality learning environments that meet the diverse needs of every student, while promoting continuous growth in literacy, numeracy, personal development and future-focused capabilities, including STEM.

Shark Bay School embraces innovation, evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement to ensure every student is supported along a successful pathway from early childhood through to further education, training or employment. Staff work collaboratively to deliver engaging learning experiences, share expertise, and build positive futures for students while contributing to a school culture that is outward-looking, forward-thinking and committed to social and environmental sustainability.

This is an opportunity to join a dedicated and supportive team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and contributing to a school that values excellence, collaboration and care in all that it does.

Please refer to the attached Business Plan, and Annual Report which provide further information to assist you to better understand the school and its current needs.

Find out more about Shark Bay School by visiting Schools Online.

For Further Job Related Information

For more information on the role and responsibilities, please contact Lisa Criddle, Director of Education, on (08) 9956 1600 or Lisa.Criddle@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 for more details.

Application Instructions

Selection Criteria

You will be assessed against the 6 Domains of Professional Practice and 6 Personal Attributes of Effective School Leaders.

The 6 Domains of Professional Practice were developed in partnership with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). They clearly encapsulate the key practices of highly effective principals. The Domains align with, and further build upon, the Australian Professional Standard for Principals and the School Improvement and Accountability Framework.

Research commissioned by the Department identified 6 Personal Attributes which are critical for an effective school leader.

The 6 Domains and 6 Personal Attributes form the basis of assessment in the principal recruitment process. They are detailed in the Applicant Instruction Guide attached at the top of this advertisement.

Application process

Applicants are encouraged to consider the additional school related information attached to this advertisement when preparing an application.

Step 1: Download the CV template attached to the job advertisement.

Step 2: Complete the CV template with:

• Your employment history, qualifications, relevant professional development and training and details of 3 superordinate professional referees (one must be your current or most recent line manager)
• Written responses, which are character limited to 2800 characters per domain, addressing the following 2 Domains of Professional Practice:
  • Domain 3: Creating enabling conditions
  • Domain 4: Promoting improved teaching

Step 3: Submit Your Application online

1. Click ‘Apply for Job’
2. Complete the online application,
3. Upload your completed CV template only.

Written application documents in any other format, or additional written documents or attachments, will not be accepted or considered by the panel.

Step 4: Submit a recorded response via the Vieple video platform (https://live.vieple.com/i/5b22fdfca1) before the closing date and time stated on this advert:

• The Vieple video will include 2 separate recorded responses of 4 minutes each addressing the following Domains of Professional Practice:
  • Domain 1: Leading the moral purpose
  • Domain 5: Driving data informed practice

Your completed CV template and recorded responses must both be received before the closing date and time. As late applications are unable to be accepted, we strongly advise that you allow sufficient time to complete your recorded responses in case any issues arise. 

Need Help? Refer to the Applicant Instruction Guide attached to this advertisement for guidance on completing your application.

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before you start your application.

For support regarding the CV template, submitting your application via WA Government Jobs, or if you do not receive a confirmation email once submitted, please contact Executive Recruitment for assistance on 08 9264 8317.

For technical support regarding the recording or submission of your recorded response please contact support@vieple.com and notify the Executive Recruitment Team immediately via email on recruitment.executive@education.wa.edu.au if any difficulties are encountered.

Subsequent Appointments

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.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 23 October 2026