Principal – Yiramalay Studio School

Principal, Yiramalay Studio School
A Transformational Leadership Role

• Organisation: Studio Schools of Australia (SSA)
• Location: Bunuba Country (near Fitzroy Crossing, WA)
• Employment: Full-Time, On-site (Residential Leadership
• Our Mission: Leading System-Wide Educational Transformation

Lead with purpose. Transform futures.

Yiramalay Studio School is part of Studio Schools of Australia (SSA) — a pioneering system of residential schools co‑led and co‑designed in genuine partnership with local communities, delivering a hands‑on, place‑based education model grounded in Indigenous language and culture. Our senior years program (Years 10–12) balances Academic Learning, Personal & Social Learning, Industry Learning, and Indigenous Language & Culture in a holistic framework, with learning integrated "across the day" and a strong focus on wellbeing.

We are fundamentally committed to being a child-safe organisation. The safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of our students underpin every decision and action.

Key Responsibilities

• Instructional & Cultural Leadership: Drive high-quality, culturally responsive teaching and learning programs that improve student outcomes. Champion the integration of our four learning circles: Academic, Personal & Social, Industry, and Indigenous Language & Culture.
• Community Partnership: Engage deeply with Bunuba Elders, families, and partners to strengthen two-way learning and ensure community voice is embedded in the school's direction.
• Team Development: Build the capability of your staff through coaching, instructional leadership, and effective change management. Foster a culture of wellbeing and professional growth.
• Operational Excellence: Steward the school's resources—including budget, facilities, and compliance—to ensure a safe, inclusive, and efficient environment. Uphold all registration, duty of care, and child-safe standards.

What Success Looks Like in Your First Year

• A clear, community-endorsed school plan is implemented with measurable success against targets and priorities.
• The school is a safe, orderly, and inclusive environment with strong student attendance and engagement.
• Your instructional leadership is visible through active coaching cycles and a professional learning plan that grows teacher efficacy.
• Partnerships with Bunuba Elders, families, local industry, and partner schools are strengthened.
• You are a visible, present, and responsive leader across both the school and boarding life.

Selection Criteria (About You)

Please address the following in your cover letter, providing specific examples of your experience:

1. Community Partnership & Cultural Responsiveness: Detail your direct work with Australia's First Nations communities, outlining your role, the outcomes, and your impact. Please be prepared to provide referees.
2. Instructional Leadership & Staff Development: Describe your experience in building teacher capacity, coaching, leading innovation, and managing change.
3. Resource Management & Governance: Explain how you have effectively deployed resources for impact while managing compliance, risk, and performance reporting.

Qualifications & Safeguarding

• Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field.

• Current WA Teaching Registration (or the ability to obtain it).
• Full, unrestricted right to work in Australia.
• Current, unrestricted Driver's Licence.
• WA Working with Children Check (WWCC) and a National Police Check (NPC).

• Highly Desirable:

• Master's degree (e.g., Educational Leadership, Public Policy, Community Development).

• Leadership experience in a remote/Indigenous school setting.
• Experience in a residential or boarding context.

Studio Schools of Australia is a child-safe organisation. All appointments are subject to rigorous child protection screening. We are actively building a team that reflects the communities we serve and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Living and Leading on Bunuba Country

This residential leadership role is based at Yiramalay Studio School, situated in the significant cultural landscape of the Kimberley region. Living on Bunuba Country is integral to the position, providing the essential context for the on-Country, place-based learning that defines our educational model.

The role offers a unique opportunity for a leader to engage deeply with community and place. While the work is demanding, it provides a direct path to making a tangible impact in First Nations education, offering profound professional satisfaction for the right candidate.

Further Information & How to Apply

We have designed this advertisement to be as comprehensive as possible, ensuring all candidates have clear and equitable access to the information needed to submit a high-quality application.

Should you have a specific query that is critical to your application and is not addressed above, you are welcome to contact Kirstie Toovey, who heads up our Human Resources division. Please email your query to:

Timeline: Shortlisting commences immediately.

We look forward to receiving your application.

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