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The school is located in east Arnhem Land, in a homeland-town of around 100 people. The community is a rich, vibrant home of thoughtful, considered Yolŋu determined to remain on their ancestral estates. Rich in tradition, knowledge, and connection to country, this community offers an immersive and enriching experience for teachers seeking to engage meaningfully with Yolŋu students and their families.
 
This remote, community-led school holds a vision for “independent lives of dignity on ancestral estates.”  The school values of education, cultural integrity, social justice, and reconciliation are woven into every aspect of daily life. The school operates as part of a broader social enterprise that empowers local families and Elders to govern their own educational and vocational programs. The College provides education to approximately 40 students from Preschool to Year 10, some students choosing to attend into their 20s. All students speak Djambarrpuyŋu as a first language and are learning to speak English as an additional language.
 
As the educational leader, you will inspire and engage students, staff, and community members to maximise student learning. You will foster professional growth among staff while ensuring the effective and responsible management of all resources. The College implements an educational model that embeds strong community driven, bi-cultural, bi-lingual and bi-literacy programs into education that takes place on Yolŋu land. The school listens closely to all community members and the Wobulkarra, Guyamirrilil, Ritharrŋu, Ganalbiŋu, Munyuku, Liya-lanmirr Gupapuyŋu land custodians and their families. Programs centre on multi-generational learning, adding depth to students’ self-awareness through learning on and about their ancestral estates; valuing kinship and ancestry; promoting academic achievement through purposeful literacy and numeracy; with students encouraged to develop strong aspirations, confidence and pride in their cultural competence. You will also play a vital role in co-developing and implementing the strategic plan of the school
 
Engagement is at the heart of everything the school does, seeking deep involvement across all aspects of its operation. The school empowers Yolŋu students to stay deeply connected to their history, practices and values while building the skills and confidence to engage positively and productively with the wider world.
 
Responsibilities
The Teaching Principal is accountable to the Board, their delegates and works in co-leadership with the Yolŋu Principal to;

• Lead the implementation of the school’s vision and a focus on a shared, respectful culture of co-leadership between the Teaching Principal and Yolnu Principal in a manner which allows Yolŋu team members to work from their cultural authority.
• Lead and resource the implementation of a rigorous, broad bi-literacy and bi-cultural

education program that cognitively challenges and sets high expectations for both
students and teachers to drive effective teaching and student outcomes vision in compliance with Australian and Northern Territory Government curriculum.

• Lead and guide the strategic direction of the College through the development, implementation and evaluation of the College’s Strategic Plan in collaboration with the Board. This includes strengthening partnerships with the Board, community and other agencies to achieve quality educational outcomes, managing the school’s resources and implementing clear evidence-based improvement plans and policies.
• Lead the recruitment and induction of College staff.
• Establish expectations for all staff to achieve high standards and build their capacity through performance management and professional development.
• Develop relationships with elders, families and community to ensure the College continues to thrive as a vibrant rich school, maintaining its value to the wider community.
• Be a strong, flexible teacher, competent to teach in both classrooms and mentor new teachers with planning, teaching and assessment as required.
• Manage the financial operations of the College.
• Maintain the resources of the College.
• Report on the operation of the College to the Board, NT and Australian governments.
• Work with other principals, AISNT, DoE and NT Christian Schools, to support the Development of Aboriginal education services and resources at a regional and system

Position is available from Term 3 or 4 2025, for a two-year contract, with possibility to extend. There may be opportunities for partners to work within the community, up to 10 hours a week. Teaching couples or friends, willing to share the same accommodation are encouraged to apply. There is also a primary position available.
 
Benefits
The school will provide the following benefits:

• Salary $178,260 plus super.
• Annual remote allowances of $8,486, paid pro-rata fortnightly with salary. $11,836 with dependents.
• Remote Retention Payment: Year 1 - $1,000, Year 2 - $2,000, Year 3 - $3,000, Year 4 - $4,000.
• Fully subsidised private two or three bedroom furnished house (not pet friendly), with ability to host relief staff. Fully subsidised internet, utilities and phone.
• Support with return interstate/NZ flights at beginning and end of an 18 month to 2 year contract.
• Travel Allowance – equal to 4 return flights from community to Darwin annually
• Study Leave – After 4 years, 1 semester paid full-time or 1 year part-time.
• Will match current employers Study Leave points at completion of a two-year contract.
• Support with studying Yolŋu Languages and Culture at Charles Darwin University
• As a registered charity with PBI status, staff have the opportunity to develop a salary sacrifice package

All incentives to be finalised with employer.
 
Footprint Placements will provide benefits to assist you in your transition to remote life, including:

• Trauma Responsive Practice in Education course with the Australian Childhood Foundation.
• Cultural Competency course with Stronger Smarter Institute (one term+ contracts).
• First aid certification (6 month+ contracts).

What You Need to Succeed!
Registered (or ability to) with TRBNT, hold a NT Working With Children check (Ochre Card), Current national police check in addition to:

• Demonstrated experience and leadership in the development of teaching and learning in bicultural, bilingual, bi-literacy and EAL/D and numeracy programs to Aboriginal or newly arrived Australian learners in a school environment, and integrating teaching with practical learning experiences.
• Qualifications related to the broad role of Teaching Principal such as in EAL/D, Bilingual Education or Educational Administration/Leadership.
• Proven ability to build the capacity of self, others and high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership in partnership with a Governing Board and/or School Council to achieve school operation and improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to administer and manage the reporting and compliance requirements required by the College.
• Demonstrated ability to administer and manage physical, financial and human resources (staff and contractors).
• Demonstrated ability to build a shared culture of high expectations, while developing and maintaining effective interpersonal and intercultural relationships within and beyond the school community.
• Demonstrated deep respect for Aboriginal cultures and the ability to work alongside and take direction from Aboriginal teachers and elders.
• Current manual driver’s licence
• Current first aid certificate
• 4WD experience and/or training (or willingness to obtain training)

Desirable Criteria

• Demonstrated capacity for resourcefulness, creativity, sustainability and wisdom in relation to living in a regional and/or remote context.
• Demonstrated strong communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills in an intercultural context.
• Sound ICT competence in MS Office and student management systems.
• Experience of Learning On-Country or similar programs.
• A good understanding of a Yolŋu language and/or completion or willingness to complete the CDU ‘Introduction to Yolŋu Language and Culture’ (or equivalent) course.
• Understanding of bicultural, bilingual and bi-literacy learning theories.

How to Apply!
Please provide a CV, along with a link to your LinkedIn profile (if you have one), and a cover letter (maximum 3 pages). In your cover letter, please address the 'What You Need to Succeed' section. You don't need to cover every dot point, but focus on the areas that reflect your strengths.
 
Candidates must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work.

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