Dara School Principal
Contract Type: Permanent/Ongoing Position Full Time
Applications Close: 4 July 2025
Applications are warmly invited for the position of Principal at Dara School commencing in Term 1, 2026. Dara School has partnered with Aspire2 to assist with the search process.
<p>Dara School offers a unique opportunity as an <strong>independent, secular co-educational R–12 school dedicated exclusively to gifted learners. </strong>Located in Morphettville, SA, our student-centred campus uses a personalised, flexible learning model designed around each child's strengths. The school currently provides education from Reception to Year 12, with students currently completing SACE subjects. With approximately 100 students, we are seeking a visionary educational leader to guide the next phase of our growth, to begin Term 1, 2026. This is not just a leadership role but a calling for the right individual. </p>
<p>Dara School is designed specifically for gifted learners. We nurture exceptional minds with a student-centred learning environment that inspires curiosity, challenge, and academic excellence, while caring for the emotional and social wellbeing of our students. Our students regularly achieve high academic outcomes (for example, Dara was the top primary school in SA for NAPLAN testing in 2024,) <i>and</i> they feel supported to flourish as individuals. We are proud of Dara's warm, inclusive atmosphere, strong family partnerships, and inclusion of student voice. </p>
<p>The successful Principal will be an educational leader with a deep understanding of gifted and neurodiverse learners in the Dara context. We are looking for someone who can: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Innovate curriculum and pedagogy:</strong> Champion evidence-based, individualised teaching approaches; expand our school’s gifted and twice-exceptional programs. </li>
<li><strong>Foster leadership and staff development:</strong> Build staff capacity through mentoring and professional learning. </li>
<li><strong>Manage resources prudently:</strong> Oversee the school's finances and daily operations with the support of the school business manager. </li>
<li><strong>Engage and partner with the community</strong>: Strengthen family and local partnerships, promote Dara's profile, and ensure student-led decision-making. </li>
<li><strong>Uphold our culture:</strong> Demonstrate a strong commitment to Dara’s values and uphold a student-centred culture.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Application Procedure </strong></p>
<p>To speak with an Aspire2 Consultant or request the candidate application information pack, don't hesitate to contact Yvette Windsor, at <a href="mailto:aspire2@switchedu.com.au?subject=Dara%20School%20Principal%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29">aspire2@switchedu.com.au</a> or on 08 8377 7555. Applicants should submit a resume and a 500-word maximum cover/statement letter addressing the selection criteria to the attention of the Dara School Board. Applications should be made via <strong>SEEK Apply.</strong> </p>
<p><strong>Applications close 5pm, July 4, 2025.</strong></p>
<p>The Board expects to announce the appointment in August 2025<strong>. Dara School is committed to equity and diversity in hiring and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Applicants can request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and to the workplace, and potential relocation assistance is available for a successful candidate.</strong> All applicants will undergo thorough reference checks and police screening by our child-safe policies. </p>
<p><strong>Join us in this rare opportunity to lead a one-of-a-kind school where gifted students are truly celebrated and supported to achieve their fullest potential. </strong></p>