Primary School Principal
Full Time
$170,000 - $180,000 per year (negotiable)
About the role
We are seeking a caring, consultative and passionate Principal to join our small, family School. Strong relationships with our school community, leadership team and connection with the wider community is a priority for us. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a team-oriented and collaborative approach to promote our school’s values, vision and strategic direction.
About Us
Due to the retirement of our long-standing, dedicated Principal, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced individual to join our school from the beginning of the 2026 school year.
Margaret River Independent School has a highly skilled complement of caring staff, with a unified focus on developing and supporting the whole child during their learning journey. We are seeking a skilled and caring leader to lead, support and inspire the School community.
Margaret River Independent School (MRIS)
With a focus on shared learning, MRIS nurtures the whole child, working with families and the community to support our children to be their best.
Margaret River Independent School, formerly Nyindamurra Family School, was established in 1982. We are a small, private, independent family school registered under the Schools Education Act 1999 to provide Early Years Learning Framework for Pre-Kindergarten (3-year-olds); School Curriculum & Standards Authority’s (SCASA) Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines; and Western Australian Curriculum for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6. In the last 10 years MRIS has seen organic growth to 185 students (Pre-Kindy to Year 6).
At MRIS, we believe that every student is capable of learning in a happy and safe environment, where they and their families are welcomed, encouraged, respected and included. We provide a dynamic and supportive learning environment which is purposeful, challenging and connected to each child’s experience, stage of development and background. We honour that children learn in different ways and recognise that each child is unique, with individual strength and abilities. We acknowledge that families and educators are critical partners in a child’s character development and learning success. We educate the ‘whole child’ within these areas of: Cognitive (reasoning/thinking); Communication; Creativity; Ecological; Emotional (self); Physical; Social (group); Spiritual (virtues/morals/values/worldview).
In 2024, parents selected these words to describe MRIS: Community, Nurturing, Family, Caring, Inclusive.
MRIS is located south of Margaret River, situated in beautiful natural surroundings of native forest. In 2014 the State Government provided the School with a Management Order for the 11ha, within which we are fortunate to be located. The School owns its buildings and has been expanding and improving its facilities, which include the Nyindamurra Performing Arts Centre, eight classrooms, a library, dedicated art/science classroom and administration buildings. There are two playgrounds for Early Learning students, three for Primary students, plus a hard-court and parkland playing areas for student use. We value, manage, connect with and improve the health of surrounding bush through the Bushland Management Team.
For further information: https://mris.wa.edu.au/
MRIS: A foundation for life, our children achieve their best
Our Values
Family involvement and engagement
Small school environment
Each child’s learning journey
Bush learning environment
Passion and commitment
Creating community
Sustainability
Lasting bonds
Resilience and respect
Social justice
Restorative practices
Individuality and sense of self Intrinsic motivation
Key Responsibilities of the Principal
In summary as Principal, you will be expected to lead, support and inspire under the general direction of the Governing Body, in the following areas:
Developmental: Articulate a shared vision for students, staff and the school community. Build professional capacity across the school community together with an effective leadership team, displaying a passion for life-long learning.
Educational: Ensure the educational offering of MRIS is consistent with our School’s Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Values and its delivery is carried out effectively and efficiently. Through a culture of continuous school improvement, enable review of curriculum delivery, teaching quality, and student outcomes fostering a culture of inquiry, reflection and improvement. Ensure we are developing the whole child through establishing a foundation for life, so our children achieve their best.
Operational: Manage the school’s financial sustainability, facilities, and compliance with educational regulations of our School, in line with the strategic plans and policies adopted by the Governing Body.
Community: Build our school community, and especially given our family school philosophy, encourage and enable parents to be engaged and involved in their child’s education. Represent our school within the wider community. Keep the Governing Body full informed on all developments that are material to the School’s affairs.
Selection Criteria
Essential Qualifications and Skills
Recent experience as Principal, Deputy Principal or other demonstrated leadership role within an educational setting;
Tertiary qualifications in Education & TRBWA Registration;
Current Working with Children Check and National Police Clearance;
Knowledge of current trends and issues in education including understanding and advocacy of innovative educational pedagogies e.g. play based learning, nature play, inquiry learning;
Experience or knowledge of Inclusive Education including relevant legislation and provision;
Experience of social and emotional learning techniques e.g. Virtues, PATHS, or a willingness to undertake training;
Experience of and willingness to embrace the principles of the School’s Effective Parenting Programme, i.e. STEP (Promoting Logical Consequences and Intrinsic Rewards.) or a willingness to undertake training;
Experience of positive conflict resolution frameworks including NVC and Restorative Justice;
Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to excellent professional standards;
Demonstrated evidence of leadership and positive relationships with staff, students, parents, and community;
Demonstrated ability to present clear, concise and relevant reports to stakeholders, including public speaking; and
A strong alignment and commitment to the existing school culture.
Preferable Skills
Experience and knowledge of the Western Australian Curriculum (SCSA) and the ACARA syllabus.
Understanding of Department of Education Registration process for independent schools;
Experience working with Traditional Custodians in an educational setting;
Demonstrated mentoring skills
Demonstrated evidence of leadership and positive relationships with staff, students, parents, and community.
Demonstrated ability to focus on what is important; and quickly sense what will help or hinder the accomplishment of a goal.
Demonstrated ability to assign responsibility for tasks and decisions; sets clear objectives and measures; monitors process, progress, and results; designs feedback loops into work;
Knowledge of data review process and experience with collaboration;
Possess a high level of accomplishment; active interest and ability to enhance and apply new functional skills;
Strong business management and financial skills;
Competency with Microsoft Office / MS Teams; and
Be flexible to the changing needs of the School.
What We Offer
An opportunity to lead a unique family school with a highly skilled team.
A supportive and dedicated staff and parent community, unlike any other.
Professional development tailored to education and leadership.
Competitive salary and conditions in line with experience.
How to Apply
If you are interested in the role, please contact George Firth, Governing Body Chair via chairperson@mris.wa.edu.au
Applications close 30 May, 2025
Please send your application, including:
1. A cover letter addressing the selection criteria (maximum 4 pages).
2. A comprehensive resume.
3. Contact details for three professional referees.
Please note that Margaret River Independent School reserves the right to withdraw the advertisement at our discretion at any time during the advertising period.
Margaret River Independent School is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in its staff and leadership. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
We are committed to child safety and work practices that keep children safe. On application, candidates will be subject to a teacher registration check, police check, referee checks, identification verification and the requirement to disclose any information relevant to the candidates’ eligibility to engage in activities including children.
Margaret River Independent School respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land as being the first peoples of this country. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate, the Wadandi people, and respect the Elders past, present and emerging.