KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
SC1. Educational leadership
Outstanding capacity for visionary and exemplary educational leadership of a school or college
Highly developed skills in leading and managing change including the leadership of others in the process of change
SC2. Financial, managerial and administrative ability
SC3. Planning, policy and program development and review
Exemplary values appropriate to the development of student learning with a demonstrated capacity to achieve high quality student outcomes
Demonstrated ability to implement Department policies to a high level
SC4. Leadership of staff and students
A highly developed capacity to motivate staff, develop their talents and build an effective team
A clear capacity to foster a learning environment that takes account of the individual needs of students and helps students to develop their special abilities and talents
SC5. Interpersonal and communication skills
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills in individual, small group and community contexts
Exemplary values pertaining to personal qualities of objectivity, sensitivity and integrity
An ability to work with parents and the community to develop a strong learning environment
The Assistant Principal plays a vital and inspiring role in leading a culture of excellence, inclusion and continuous improvement across the school. This position is about energizing staff, empowering students and transforming data and evidence into action. It is a leadership role for a visionary educator who can connect strategy with people and who believes that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.
The Assistant Principal will provide strategic leadership for the implementation of Eaglehawk Secondary College's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. Working closely with the Principal, Leadership Team and Learning Specialists, the successful applicant will lead whole-school improvement initiatives across learning, teaching, engagement and wellbeing to improve outcomes for all students.
Eaglehawk Secondary College values leadership that is visible, authentic and collaborative. The Assistant Principal contributes to the strategic management of the school, leads with empathy and high expectations and brings people together around shared goals. They manage budgets and resources responsibly, make informed decisions and model the college's values of Community, Opportunities, Relationships and Expectations and Achievement in every interaction.
This is an opportunity for a leader who thrives on challenge and believes in the power of education to change lives. The Assistant Principal will play a central role in building a future focused school community where learning is engaging, evidence-based and equitable and where every student, teacher and family is proud to be a part of Eaglehawk Secondary College.
This role includes a teaching load alongside leadership duties. The commencement date is set at mid-term three however we are open to negotiation. The specific area of responsibility will be determined following appointment to ensure a balanced distribution of portfolios withing the existing leadership team and alignment with the college's improvement priorities.
The Assistant Principal reports directly to the Principal.
Typically, Assistant Principals perform one or more of the following functions:
Provide visionary and strategic leadership of significant school programs or functional areas that drive improvement across learning & teaching and engagement & wellbeing.
Lead professional learning and development programs that build staff capability, collaboration and leadership at every level and across all strategic recommendations.
Champion evidence-based instructional practice through coaching, modelling and professional learning aligned with the college's Instructional Model (WE LEARN), the Victoria Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 and the Positive Classroom Management Strategies.
Coach and mentor teachers and middle leaders to use student data effectively to plan, differentiate, teach, assess and evaluate for growth.
Lead the development and implementation of academic extension, enrichment and support programs across the whole school.
Build and embed structures that support collective efficacy to improve numeracy and literacy learning for all students.
Drive attendance, engagement and wellbeing systems that ensure all students are connected, supported and challenged to achieve their personal best.
Oversee and support student behaviours and restorative practices, ensuring fairness, consistency and respect underpin all interactions.
Strengthen school wide systems and routines to develop and sustain a safe, orderly and inclusive learning environment.
Build authentic partnerships with parents, carers, community organisations and feeder schools to enhance transitions, engagement and student success.
Contribute to a vibrant and cohesive leadership culture, modelling teamwork, transparency and shared accountability.
Manage resources strategically, ensuring the effective and equitable use of staffing, budgets and physical resources to maximise learning outcomes.
Represent the college with pride and professionalism in regional networks, forums, and partnerships that promote innovation and continuous improvement.
Supervision and coordination of the work of teams within the leadership and organizational structure of the college
Contribute to the overall management of the school.
Appropriately qualified individuals currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via
[email protected]
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
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All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
- Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
- A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
- Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class:
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The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and
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if the person completed an Australian postgraduate level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, they must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed a postgraduate level accredited initial teacher education program that has been accredited by an Australian State or Territory Teacher Regulatory Authority as satisfying the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 'Accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures'; and
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a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program after 1 July 2016 must also demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements (this condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian ITE program completed by the person).
Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools.
Eaglehawk Secondary College (ESC) is a vibrant Year 7-10 school committed to preparing students for successful senior secondary pathways, further education, training and employment. As a key member of the Bendigo Education Plan (BEP), ESC enjoys a strong partnership with Bendigo Senior Secondary College, where students transition to undertake VCE, VCE Vocational Major and other senior pathways.
The College currently enrols approximately 570 students from Eaglehawk, Bendigo and surrounding rural communities, with enrolments projected to grow to around 700 students. Rebuilt in 2012, ESC offers outstanding contemporary facilities including four Learning Communities, a Design and Technology Centre, Performing Arts Centre, Library, Food Technology facilities, Gymnasium, a purpose-built Innovation Learning Centre for STEAM, and an onsite re-engagement facility that hosts the College's Connect Program.
Student Engagement
At ESC, student engagement is at the heart of learning. Teachers employ a range of evidence-based teaching practices that actively involve students in their learning and respond to their diverse strengths, interests and needs.
Key features of the College include:
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A broad, balanced and challenging curriculum that promotes excellence and engagement.
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Personalised learning opportunities that strengthen student voice, agency and ownership of learning.
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Targeted Literacy and Numeracy programs that support individual growth.
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Applied and practical learning experiences, including access to VET and VCE studies at Year 10.
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A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program that supports digital learning.
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Programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
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Targeted support programs for Karen students.
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The Connect Program, providing tailored support for students at risk of disengagement and helping them remain connected to learning and school life.
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A Teacher Advisor Program that promotes student wellbeing, engagement and academic success.
Technology and Innovation
Digital technologies are embedded across all learning areas. Through the College's BYOD program, students have access to contemporary learning tools that support collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Parents and carers are kept informed through Compass, which provides access to attendance, learning progress and reporting information.
Responsive and Innovative Curriculum
ESC offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and designed to meet the needs of all learners. Curriculum opportunities include:
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Digital learning across all curriculum areas.
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Career and pathways programs, including Work Experience and Head Start.
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Access to VET and VCE studies in Year 10.
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Extensive transition programs supporting students entering Year 7 and progressing to senior secondary education.
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A broad range of core and elective subjects across Years 7-10.
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Specialist programs delivered through the Bendigo Education Plan, including STEAM and the Athletic Development Program.
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Participation in enrichment opportunities such as the RACV Energy Breakthrough and Bendigo Instrumental Music Program (BIMP).
Parent and Community Partnerships
ESC values strong partnerships with parents and carers as key contributors to student success. Families are regularly informed about student learning and progress through:
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Ready to Learn Conferences at the beginning of the school year.
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Parent, Teacher and Student Conferences.
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Ongoing assessment and feedback through Compass.
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Semester reports aligned to the Victorian Curriculum.
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Course counselling and pathway planning for students in Years 8-10.
Facilities and Learning Environment
Designed to accommodate up to 800 students, the College provides flexible and contemporary learning spaces that support innovative teaching and learning practices. These facilities enable:
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Personalised learning for every student.
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Engaging, challenging and future-focused curriculum delivery.
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Applied and project-based learning opportunities.
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Strong student wellbeing and mentoring programs.
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Indoor and outdoor learning experiences, including initiatives such as GROW and 3556 Magazine.
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Student leadership opportunities through the Student Activities and Leadership Team.
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Partnerships with organisations including La Trobe University Bendigo.
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A rich co-curricular program, including the College Production.
Supporting Every Student
ESC is committed to ensuring every student is known, valued and supported. Our facilities and programs provide opportunities for students to build strong relationships with peers and staff while accessing a diverse range of academic, wellbeing and enrichment opportunities.
Learning Communities
Students are organised into Learning Communities that foster a strong sense of belonging, connection and support. Each Learning Community is staffed by a team of teachers who work collaboratively to support students' academic, social and emotional development.
Every student is supported by a Teacher Advisor who provides mentoring, guidance and advocacy throughout their learning journey.
Learning Communities feature:
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Flexible studio classrooms accommodating up to 25 students.
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Small-group conferencing and interview spaces.
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Breakout areas that support collaboration and differentiated learning.
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Access to specialist learning spaces for Science, Arts, Design and Technology, Health and Physical Education, and Performing Arts.
These contemporary learning environments support high expectations, strong relationships and a culture of learning, growth and achievement for all students.
