Positions Available 

Assistant Principal (Student Operations) – Range 3

We are seeking an exceptional leader to fill the role of Assistant Principal (Student Operations), following the appointment of Adam Slater as substantive principal at Mornington Secondary College. The successful applicant will join an experienced and stable school leadership team. To support their transition into the role, they will be provided with extensive access to professional development and leadership coaching.  The start date for the successful applicant is negotiable.

The Assistant Principal (Student Operations) will lead the school in a number of areas, including:

• Student engagement initiatives
• School Wide Positive Behaviour Program
• Student management policies, procedures and practices
• Management of new enrolments Years 7-12 (excluding 6-7 transition)
• Manages Leading Teacher team consisting of 6 Year Level Leaders (including associated student management teams) and Student Voice & Empowerment Leader
• Oversight of the use of behaviour support plans and modified timetables
• Course counselling processes and subject changes
• Instructional practices relating to Positive Classroom Management Strategies
• Monitoring, review and implementation of the following policies: Student Engagement, Attendance, Uniform, Bullying Prevention, Mobile Phone.

The Assistant Principal (Student Operations) reports to the Principal and works in the principal class team that also includes an Assistant Principal (Curriculum Operations) and Assistant Principal (School Operations).

Patterson River is a great place to work. The school enjoys very strong school community survey results, with an 84% positive endorsement (2% negative) for Cultural Leadership (similar schools = 62%). While we consistently outperform state and similar schools across the survey modules, we record particularly strong results in the areas of Cultural Leadership, Instructional Leadership, as well as Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum.  In 2025, the College outperformed statistically similar schools and state in almost every data set administered by the Department of Education.

Selection Criteria

SC1 – Educational Leadership

1. Highly developed skills in leading and managing change, including the implementation of whole-school improvement initiatives that promote a positive, calm, safe and orderly learning environment.
2. Demonstrated ability to analyse and use student data to inform decision-making and drive improved outcomes for students.

SC2 – Financial, managerial and administrative ability

1. Demonstrated capacity to lead complex student management systems, processes and teams to support student engagement, attendance and wellbeing.
2. Highly developed organisational and resource management skills, including the effective allocation of staffing and supports to meet student needs.

SC3 – Planning, Policy and Program Development

1. Exemplary values appropriate to the development of student learning with a demonstrated capacity to achieve high quality student outcomes.
2. Demonstrated ability to implement Department policies to a high level.
3. An understanding of, and a commitment to, the use of learning technologies to improve teaching and learning.

SC4 – Leadership of Staff and Students

1. A highly developed capacity to motivate staff, develop their talents and build an effective team.
2. Demonstrated ability to build a positive school culture that promotes high expectations, respectful relationships, student voice and a strong sense of belonging.
3. Proven ability to work collaboratively with students, families and external agencies to support complex student needs and improve outcomes.

SC5 – Interpersonal and Communication Skills

1. Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills in individual, small group and community contexts.
2. Exemplary values pertaining to personal qualities of objectivity, sensitivity and integrity.

The position is currently open on School Jobs VIC (Job#1530089) and closes Wednesday, July 15^th, 2026. Please contact our College Principal for more information regarding the role via daniel.dew@education.vic.gov.au

 

Casual Replacement Teachers 

In addition to using recruitment agencies, Patterson River engages directly with teachers to fulfil both short term and long-term replacement classes. If you are interested in CRT work, then please email a copy of your CV to Trisha Ord – Daily Organiser and Recruitment Manager via trisha.ord@education.vic.gov.au

 

Tutor Learning Initiative

We are currently seeking teachers and pre-service teachers to fulfil roles as tutors as part of the Victorian Government’s Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI). Please contact Maree Foster (TLI coordinator) if you are interested via the contact form on this website.

Pre-Service Teachers  

Patterson River is committed to supporting pre-service teachers during their university courses and as graduate teachers once entering the workforce. Please contact Assistant Principal, Lisa Cavey via lisa.cavey@education.vic.gov.au if you are interested in completing teaching rounds at our College or applying for a position at a graduate in the future.

 

Working at Patterson River

We pride ourselves on our collaborative and supportive workplace culture. Our College enjoys some of the strongest staff opinion survey results in the state as evidenced below.

School Leadership Survey Module

School Climate Survey Module

Staff Professional Learning and Support

Patterson River has a strong focus on Teaching & Learning. To support teachers, the majority of our staff meeting time is dedicated to instructional and assessment practices. Patterson River is an established PLC school and is the link ‘showcase’ school for Bayside Peninsula Area. Check out our Staff Handbook to find out more about our practices and structures at the College via this link.

Staff Social Activities and Wellbeing

Patterson River has an active staff association, organising multiple staff social events and activities. Each Tuesday afternoon, the school runs optional Professional Development, Wellbeing and Physical Activities. In addition, the College just completed construction on a $150K gymnasium (weights and circuit training). Staff are able to access this facility for no charge out of normal school hours.

 

Riding to Work 

Our school is connected to several bike paths along local wetlands, train line and East Link. In addition to this, the school is situated close to Nepean Hwy and Beach Rd. The College has a dedicated bike storage and shower facility for staff who ride to school.