We are seeking to establish a pool of Deputy Principals for permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2026 school year. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.
Pannawonica School stands as an Independent Public School situated in the Western Pilbara, offering comprehensive education from Kindergarten to Year 12 (K-12). In our capacity as a small and remote community, we place a strong emphasis on fostering collaboration and communication, both within the school and the broader town. This position demands a strong commitment to upholding and nurturing the school's unique and vibrant culture.
Our esteemed staff at Pannawonica School are characterised by their motivation, professionalism, and the formation of a close-knit collegiate group, which excels in effective collaboration and responsiveness to the diverse needs of our students and community. The school adheres to a 'whole staff' approach, where every member is actively involved in school planning, activities, and continuous professional development.
Our school vision is 'Ohana' which means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. Our purpose is to make sure that our children, our staff, our parents/caregivers, and our community members do not get left behind academically, socially/emotionally, physically, or culturally.
Pannawonica School is a dynamic and engaging environment for both work and learning. The community itself is distinguished by its unique nature, as one of the few remaining 'closed mining towns' operated by Rio Tinto. Living in Pannawonica comes with a range of benefits due to its 'closed' designation, including heavily subsidised housing and utilities, along with access to various free community services, including a gymnasium, bulk-billed medical centre, swimming pool, and drive-in cinema, among others.
Find out more about our school by visiting Schools Online or Pannawonica School.
The Role
In close partnership with the principal and the administrative team, the Deputy Principal provides decisive and strategic leadership that strengthens staff capability and drives whole‑school improvement.
In addition to the broader leadership and management responsibilities, the ideal candidate will ideally have capacity to:
- Manage the operational demands of the school efficiently while protecting time for strategic leadership work, ensuring continued momentum in delivering the School Improvement Plan and Business Plan priorities.
- Build the capability of staff through coaching, mentoring and clear instructional leadership, strengthening collective efficacy across K–12.
- Display confidence and professionalism in holding timely, constructive and courageous conversations that support high standards and reinforce a culture of accountability and care.
- Work collaboratively with staff to embed our whole‑school approaches, ensuring consistency and sustained implementation.
- Forge positive, productive relationships with town‑based service providers and the wider community to ensure the continuous prioritisation of optimal support for all students.
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:
- Attractive Country Teaching Program Allowance of $10 210 a year
- Attraction and Retention Incentive of $2 000 see info below
- District allowance of $9 299 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
- Air conditioning subsidy
Teachers and School Administrators employed at Pannawonica in 2026 are eligible to receive an Attraction and Retention Incentive of $2,000 (pa, gross – to be adjusted pro rata for FTE and tenure). Eligible staff will receive a percentage of this payment on commencement at the school, with the remainder paid at the end of the school year. Staff must remain employed in the location until the end of the school year to be eligible to receive the second payment.
The ARI payment is in addition to other incentives that may apply in this school.
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 Kristy Lackey, Principal on (08) 9134 9100 or emailing kristy.lackey@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:
- 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 three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position; and
- 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).
All remaining selection criteria outlined in the attached JDF will be assessed throughout the selection process.
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/DP1003627
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 1 May 2026
