Shellharbour Public School is a dynamic and inclusive learning community located on Dharawal Country in Shellharbour, 30 minutes south of Wollongong. The Aboriginal name for Shellharbour has been recorded as both Yerrowah (meeting place) and Wonwin (plenty of fish), reflecting its significance as a place of connection and abundance. The vast canopy of our Moreton Bay Fig, a central feature of our playground, continues to serve as a symbolic and physical gathering place for students, staff, and families. The school is deeply connected to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.
With a current enrolment of 351 students, including 37 students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and 7% of students who speak English as a second language or dialect, Shellharbour Public School has 15 classes, including an Autism Specialist class. This ensures that all students have access to personalised learning in an inclusive environment.
Our dedicated teachers implement evidence-informed practices, emphasising explicit instruction and high-impact teaching strategies. Beyond core curriculum subjects, we provide rich and diverse learning opportunities.
Our Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association is key in strengthening connections, working alongside the school to support learning and community engagement initiatives.
Approval to teach. In addition to the general selection criteria;
Outstanding interpersonal skills with a strong commitment to promote and respect school community values and further develop partnerships with colleagues, parents, educational stakeholders and the wider community.
Proven ability to lead and inspire continuous improvement to enhance student literacy and numeracy outcomes, aligning with system priorities.
Expertise in evaluating systems and practices to enhance consistent, clear and predictable wellbeing processes to ensure a positive environment for students and provide excellent guidance for staff.
Demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal education through building authentic and respectful partnerships with Aboriginal students, families and the local community. Ability to lead initiatives that improve engagement, attendance and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal students.
1. High level educational leadership with the skills to lead and manage a complex public school focused on the delivery of high quality education
2. Ability to lead and manage rigorous and inclusive whole school teaching and learning programs
3. High level communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build positive relationships and engage all levels of the school and educational community
4. Ability to lead and manage the development and performance of staff to improve teaching and learning
5. Ability to plan systems and manage resources effectively and equitably to enhance teaching and learning
6. Capacity to lead staff in implementing the Department's Aboriginal education policy and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people
An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.
Classification Structure for Principals:
The Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools and Related Employees) Salaries and Conditions Award 2020 details the new principal classification structure based on complexity of schools which commenced in 2016. Please view information on the Classification structure for Principals at https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-education/salary-and-benefits/salary-and-awards/awards-and-determinations/teachers-award-initiatives#Principal2
The classification and remuneration of our school principals is based on school complexity, as measured through each school’s RAM allocation. As part of the ongoing application of the new structure a review of thresholds and outcomes will occur on an annual basis. The principal classification for this school is Principal Level P2 for 2026.
Applicants are to include details of their WWCC clearance number as part of this application.
About the NSW Department of Education
The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, neurodiverse people and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please contact the hiring manager using the contact details provided above. For more information, visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion
Merit selection application guidelines for classroom teachers, executives and principals provide clear advice for applicants and selection panels. The guidelines are available here.
To meet the page limits outlined in the guidelines, all application attachments must be submitted in PDF format. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
