Deputy Principal

Ngaruki Gulgul

KARIONG, NSW 


Deputy / Assistant Head of School

Contract Type: Permanent/Ongoing Position Full Time

Applications Close: 30 November 2026


Ngaruki Gulgul Central School seeks an experienced and motivated Deputy Principal to provide educational and operational leadership for its Kariong campus. Leading Years 9-12 in a Special Assistance School setting, you will oversee daily operations, staff mentoring, curriculum implementation, and student wellbeing.

<p><strong>Lead with purpose. Drive a positive culture. Change young lives.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>About Us</strong></p> <p>Ngaruki Gulgul Central School is an independent, non-denominational Special Assistance School supporting young people in Years 9 -12 who have experienced challenges engaging with mainstream education.</p> <p>Established in 2014, we provide personalised education that helps young people reconnect with learning, develop confidence and build purposeful futures.</p> <p>Our approach is grounded in strong relationships, trauma-informed practice, cultural safety and a belief in the potential of every student. We are a small but mighty school where staff make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their families.</p> <p>As we open our second campus, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Principal to lead the day-to-day operations of our Kariong campus.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>About the Role</strong></p> <p>Working closely with the Principal, you will provide educational and operational leadership, ensuring effective campus management and high-quality learning and wellbeing support for students.</p> <p>You will bring sound judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to balance clear expectations with a compassionate, consistent approach. This role requires a leader who can guide staff through complex situations, make informed decisions and maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead the day-to-day operations and coordination of the Kariong campus.</li> <li>Mentor and develop staff, promoting professional growth, accountability and teamwork.</li> <li>Oversee teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum implementation.</li> <li>Lead approaches to student engagement, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing.</li> <li>Guide consistent, fair and trauma-informed responses to challenging situations.</li> <li>Work with the Principal and leadership team on school planning, improvement and operational priorities.</li> <li>Ensure compliance with NESA, NCCD requirements and professional standards</li> <li>Build constructive relationships with families, community organisations and external services.</li> <li>Promote culturally responsive practice and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal students, families and community.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>About You</strong></p> <p>You are an approachable, resilient educational leader who can manage competing priorities and remain calm and considered under pressure.</p> <p>You understand the complex barriers some young people face in education and can help staff respond with consistency, compassion and high expectations. You are proactive, solutions-focused and committed to creating an environment where students and staff feel safe, respected and supported to achieve their potential.</p> <p>You value professional accountability, reflective practice and working collaboratively with the Principal and Exec team to strengthen the school.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Selection Criteria</strong></p> <p>Applicants should demonstrate:</p> <ul> <li>Current NESA teacher accreditation.</li> <li>A minimum of five years' experience in a leadership role, with a proven ability to lead and develop a diverse educational team.</li> <li>Strong knowledge of reporting systems, curriculum, effective teaching practice, assessment and student learning.</li> <li>Experience supporting students with complex learning, behavioural, social or emotional needs.</li> <li>Understanding of trauma-informed, inclusive and relationship-based approaches to education.</li> <li>Excellent communication, organisation, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.</li> <li>A commitment to child safety, professional boundaries and continuous improvement.</li> <li>Understanding of Aboriginal education, cultural safety and respectful community engagement.</li> </ul> <p>Experience in a Special Assistance School, alternative education setting or similar environment would be highly regarded.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What We Offer</strong></p> <ul> <li>A meaningful leadership opportunity in a school committed to providing alternative pathways to education.</li> <li>A small, collaborative and values-driven workplace.</li> <li>The opportunity to influence educational practice, strengthen staff capability and contribute to the school's continued growth.</li> <li>EAP, attractive conditions, and salary sacrificing benefits of up to $15,999 p/a.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Ready to Apply?</strong></p> <p>Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria to <a href="mailto:andrea@ngc.nsw.edu.au?subject=Deputy%20Principal%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow"><strong>andrea@ngc.nsw.edu.au</strong></a>.</p> <p>For further information, contact the Principal on <strong>0405 451 336</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Ngaruki Gulgul Central School is committed to child safety, cultural safety, inclusion and the wellbeing of every student.</strong></p>
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