
Associate Principal
6 days ago
This is a permanent full time position commencing Term 1, 2026
Harrisdale Senior High School (SHS) is one of the largest schools in Western Australia, attracting students from diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. With a student population of over 2300, approximately 180 teaching staff, and 70 support staff, the school offers an inclusive and comprehensive education for Years 7 to 12. It is the school of choice for many local and international families.
Our commitment to the intellectual, creative, and social development of students is evident through our stimulating and relevant programs, high impact teaching strategies, and classroom practices. We place a strong emphasis on pastoral care and academic achievement, supported by robust community involvement and parental support.
Harrisdale SHS is already recognised for its outstanding achievements and results. We offer a comprehensive and high performing Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) program and place a high emphasis on the quality and delivery of General and Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses to provide a holistic education.
Our specialist programs cater to a variety of student needs and interests, including a Gifted and Talented program, specialised music and sports programs (such as Cricket, Netball, and Volleyball), numerous after-school clubs, sporting teams, and a language program in French and Japanese. We pride ourselves on the ethos that all students will achieve success through excellence in teaching and learning.
Harrisdale SHS has a strong, positive culture where leaders and teachers play a key role in ensuring our school values of Care, Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence are upheld and reflected in all actions. Our Business Plan Impact for Excellence aligns to our values and vision of Excellence Everywhere.
Find out more about our school by visiting or Schools Online .
The Role
Harrisdale SHS is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and innovative leader to join our Executive Team as Associate Principal (Level 4). This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of one of Western Australia's largest and most successful secondary schools.
As a key member of the Executive Team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a range of areas, working in partnership with the Principal and the Executive Team to deliver high-quality outcomes for students, staff, and the wider community. The portfolio will be negotiated based on the strengths and expertise of the successful applicant and the needs of the school.
Experience in areas such as Lower School (Years , transition programs, and/or Student Services will be viewed favourably, though not essential. Regardless of your background, you will be expected to lead initiatives that promote student engagement, wellbeing, and achievement, while driving continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
We are seeking an individual who ideally:
- Has exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across the school community.
- Has a proven track record in leading change, improving student outcomes, and fostering a positive school culture.
- Brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills, using data to inform decision-making and monitor progress.
- Is committed to inclusive education, student wellbeing, and the development of high-quality teaching practices.
The successful applicant should be an agile and forward-thinking leader who can balance operational responsibilities with strategic priorities, while coaching and building staff capacity.
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a high-performing school that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. If you are an aspirational leader who thrives on challenge and is passionate about improving outcomes for all students, we encourage you to apply.
Professional Benefits
Working for the Department of Education you will enjoy a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, training and career development opportunities and attractive leave provisions. Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits .
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Everal Eaton, Principal on or emailing .
During the school holidays, please contact Everal Eaton on
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.
Eligibility
To work with us, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- hold registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
- obtain a valid Working With Children Check before you start; and
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education's Screening Unit before you start.
More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website or in the attached application package.
Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1:
Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees , preferably one being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
A statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF
Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in a diverse range of educational settings.
- High level of interpersonal and public relations skills that demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve planned outcomes.
- Demonstrated professional knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure a high level of educational outcomes for all students (e.g. Aboriginal students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and students with special needs).
- Demonstrated capacity to manage physical and financial resources.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time.
Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education's Recruitment team on for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/DP989709
Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close:
4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 20 October 2025