Role Purpose
The Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership to support the learning, wellbeing, inclusion, engagement and successful pathways of all students. The role leads a whole-school approach to student wellbeing and inclusion, ensuring that practices, programs and processes are aligned with the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0) and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0).
The Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Engagement leads the development of an inclusive, safe and supportive school environment where students are connected to their learning, exercise agency and voice, and are supported to achieve their educational and wellbeing goals. The role works collaboratively with Principal Class, Leading Teachers, Year Level Coordinators, teachers, Education Support staff, students, families and external agencies.
The position provides strategic oversight of student wellbeing, inclusion, engagement, attendance, transitions, senior pathways and student administration, while building the capability of staff to implement consistent, evidence-informed practices that improve student outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Enabling Learning
- Lead the implementation of VTLM 2.0 – Enabling Learning, embedding inclusive learning, cultural responsiveness, student self-regulation and engagement across the school.
- Build staff capability to create safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments that enable all students to engage successfully in learning.
- Lead consistent whole-school approaches to behaviour and engagement, including relevant aspects of Positive Classroom Management Strategies (PCMS) and School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS).
- Work collaboratively with teaching and learning leaders to strengthen the connection between student wellbeing, engagement and learning.
Student Wellbeing and Inclusion
- Provide strategic leadership of student wellbeing and inclusion, including the management and coordination of the Wellbeing Team and student support interventions.
- Oversee the implementation and evaluation of wellbeing programs, including Hands on Learning Program (HOLP), Man Cave, Boys to the Bush, Seasons for Growth and LoveBites.
- Coordinate wellbeing services and supports, including Doctors in Schools, State Schools' Relief and relevant student scholarships.
- Lead the school's NCCD process in collaboration with the Leading Teacher – Disability Inclusion.
- Ensure effective implementation of the Child Safe Standards, Child Information Sharing requirements and associated student wellbeing processes.
- Oversee the effective use of SOCS and ensure student wellbeing information and case management processes are appropriately maintained.
- Promote equitable access, participation and achievement by ensuring student support responds appropriately to individual strengths, needs, backgrounds and circumstances.
- Oversee support for students in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC), including Individual Education Plans, Care Team Meetings and reporting requirements.
- Lead approaches to Indigenous engagement and support the educational, cultural and wellbeing needs of Koorie students.
- Work collaboratively with staff, families and external agencies to identify and address barriers to student participation, engagement and achievement.
Student Engagement and Connectedness
- Lead whole-school approaches that strengthen student agency, voice, leadership, engagement and connectedness.
- Oversee the Home Group Program and support its role in building student connection, belonging and engagement.
- Develop and oversee structured lunchtime activities, working with staff and student leaders to provide inclusive opportunities that reflect student interests and strengthen connection to school.
- Lead whole-school strategies to improve student attendance, including monitoring data, identifying students requiring support and coordinating appropriate interventions.
- Oversee student management processes and promote consistent approaches to behaviour, engagement and student support.
- Lead and support Year Level Coordinators to ensure consistent approaches to student wellbeing, attendance, engagement and management.
- Coordinate the End of Year Activities Program and other initiatives that promote student participation and connection to school.
Student Administration
- Oversee student enrolment and exit processes, ensuring accurate administration and effective transition into and from the school.
- Coordinate key student administration activities, including school photographs, vaccinations and Smile Squad.
- Oversee the administration of the Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS) and use findings to inform student wellbeing and engagement priorities.
- Ensure student administration processes and requirements are communicated effectively to staff, students and families.
Community Engagement and Transition
- Lead key transition activities, including the Year 7 Transition Information Night, Year 7 BBQ and associated student and family engagement activities.
- Oversee the parent newsletter and support effective communication and engagement with families.
- Coordinate whole-school and year-level assemblies.
- Build positive partnerships with families and the broader community to support student wellbeing, engagement and successful transitions.
Careers and Post-School Pathways
- Provide strategic oversight of the school's careers and post-school pathways programs, working collaboratively with the Leading Teacher – Senior School and careers staff.
- Ensure students and families have access to high-quality careers education, pathway advice and information.
- Oversee VTAC and tertiary pathway processes.
- Monitor and analyse student destination data to evaluate pathway provision and inform future planning.
Senior School Programs
- Provide strategic oversight of senior school programs, working collaboratively with the Leading Teacher – Senior School.
- Oversee senior school information sessions, course selection and communication with students and families.
- Monitor VCE eligibility and processes that support successful completion of senior secondary studies.
- Provide oversight of the VCE Vocational Major (VM) and VDSS programs and partnerships.
- Ensure senior school programs meet student pathway needs and relevant Department and VCAA requirements.
Certification and Authentication
- Provide strategic oversight of senior secondary assessment implmentation, certification and compliance requirements.
- Oversee VASS administration, ensuring accurate and timely processes.
- Oversee the management of VCE external examinations and associated VCAA requirements.
- Oversee Special Provision/Special Consideration processes to ensure eligible students receive appropriate support.
- Work collaboratively with the Leading Teacher Senior School to maintain consistent and compliant VCAA processes.
Strategic Leadership and School Improvement
- Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan.
- Use evidence including AToSS, attendance, behaviour, wellbeing, achievement and destination data to identify priorities, monitor progress and evaluate impact.
- Build the capability of staff and middle leaders to implement consistent, evidence-informed approaches to student wellbeing, inclusion and engagement.
- Work collaboratively with Principal Class and other school leaders to maintain a coherent whole-school approach to learning, wellbeing, inclusion and engagement.
- Ensure practices and processes comply with Department of Education requirements, legislation and school policies.
- Undertake other duties as directed by the Principal consistent with the responsibilities and classification of the position.
Key Selection Criteria
1. Educational leadership
a. Outstanding capacity for visionary and exemplary educational leadership of a school or college.
b. Highly developed skills in leading and managing change including the leadership of others in the process of change.
2. Financial, managerial and administrative ability
a. Outstanding financial, organisational and resource management skills.
3. Planning, policy and program development and review
a. Exemplary values appropriate to the development of student learning with a demonstrated capacity to achieve high quality student outcomes.
b. Demonstrated ability to implement Department policies to a high level.
c. An understanding of, and a commitment to, the use of learning technologies to improve teaching and learning.
4. Leadership of staff and students
a. A highly developed capacity to motivate staff, develop their talents and build an effective team.
b. A clear capacity to foster a learning environment that takes account of the individual needs of students and helps students to develop their special abilities and talents.
5. Interpersonal and communication skills
a. Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills in individual, small group and community contexts.
b. Exemplary values pertaining to personal qualities of objectivity, sensitivity and integrity.
c. An ability to work with parents and the community to develop a strong learning environment.