Advertised Vacancy Number: PR

This is a 12 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension and/or permanency

About The Role

As the principal, you will lead with a strong moral purpose and a commitment to enabling every student to learn successfully and reach their full potential. You will foster an environment where each learner’s talents are recognised, nurtured, and developed, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for lifelong success. You demonstrate an understanding of the power of education to overcome disadvantage and are committed to supporting the growth and wellbeing of every student.

You will build and sustain strong, purposeful relationships across the school community and with external stakeholders, recognising that achieving the school’s mission requires collective effort. Your leadership will promote a cohesive and inclusive school culture focused on meeting the diverse learning needs of all students and enabling them to thrive.

A key aspect of this role involves strategically allocating and developing resources - including time, staff expertise, funding, facilities, policies, and partnerships - to maximise student outcomes and strengthen teaching and learning across the school.

You will drive continuous improvement by prioritising high-quality classroom teaching and building teacher capacity for sustained improvement. Your decisions will be evidence based and informed by quality data to identify needs, set explicit goals, monitor progress, and evaluate impact. You will refine school practices and lead significant change where required across programs, curriculum, processes, facilities, or culture to enhance student learning and wellbeing.

To be successful in this role you will be open minded, flexible, and guided by strong personal and professional values. You will demonstrate resilience, optimism, and high expectations for yourself, your staff, and your students.



The school’s success will be shaped by your personal qualities, values, beliefs, attitudes, and skills which will underpin all strategic actions and contribute to a positive, future focused school setting.

Shark Bay School is part of the Desert Coast Network and is committed to the Midwest Targeted Teaching Program based on evidence-based practice. The school has developed extensive programs to support all students including students with complex needs and students with a disability. As the Principal, you will have excellent interpersonal and public relations skills, whilst understanding the importance of working with the local community.

You will have a strong understanding of leading a culturally responsive school, valuing the local Aboriginal community.

About Shark Bay School

Shark Bay School is a caring and inclusive learning community located within one of Western Australia's most unique natural and cultural environments. Situated in a World Heritage Area 900km from Perth, the school provides exceptional opportunities for students to learn and grow in a setting that values educational excellence, sustainability and strong community connections. Guided by a commitment to unleashing every student's full potential, the school fosters a culture where learning, wellbeing and success are shared responsibilities.

At the heart of Shark Bay School is a belief that happy, engaged and successful students are supported through strong relationships between staff, families and the wider community. The school is committed to creating safe,



culturally responsive and high-quality learning environments that meet the diverse needs of every student, while promoting continuous growth in literacy, numeracy, personal development and future-focused capabilities, including STEM.

Shark Bay School embraces innovation, evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement to ensure every student is supported along a successful pathway from early childhood through to further education, training or employment. Staff work collaboratively to deliver engaging learning experiences, share expertise, and build positive futures for students while contributing to a school culture that is outward-looking, forward-thinking and committed to social and environmental sustainability.

This is an opportunity to join a dedicated and supportive team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and contributing to a school that values excellence, collaboration and care in all that it does.

Please refer to the attached Business Plan, and Annual Report which provide further information to assist you to better understand the school and its current needs.

Find out more about Shark Bay School by visiting Schools Online.

For Further Job Related Information

For more information on the role and responsibilities, please contact Lisa Criddle, Director of Education, on or

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 for more details.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 23 October 2026

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📌 Principal (Shire of Upper Gascoyne)
🏢 Department of Education, Western Australia
📍 Shire of Upper Gascoyne