Deputy Principal

We are seeking to establish a pool of Deputy Principals for permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2026 school year. Appointments may be offered at any time for vacancies that commence during this period.

Pannawonica School stands as an Independent Public School situated in the Western Pilbara, offering comprehensive education from Kindergarten to Year 12 (K-12). In our capacity as a small and remote community, we place a strong emphasis on fostering collaboration and communication, both within the school and the broader town. This position demands a strong commitment to upholding and nurturing the school's unique and vibrant culture.

Our esteemed staff at Pannawonica School are characterised by their motivation, professionalism, and the formation of a close-knit collegiate group, which excels in effective collaboration and responsiveness to the diverse needs of our students and community. The school adheres to a 'whole staff' approach, where every member is actively involved in school planning, activities, and continuous professional development.

Our school vision is 'Ohana' which means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. Our purpose is to make sure that our children, our staff, our parents/caregivers, and our community members do not get left behind academically, socially/emotionally, physically, or culturally.

Pannawonica School is a dynamic and engaging environment for both work and learning. The community itself is distinguished by its unique nature, as one of the few remaining 'closed mining towns' operated by Rio Tinto. Living in Pannawonica comes with a range of benefits due to its 'closed' designation, including heavily subsidised housing and utilities, along with access to various free community services, including a gymnasium, bulk-billed medical centre, swimming pool, and drive-in cinema, among others.

Find out more about our school by visiting Schools Online or Pannawonica School.

The Role

In close partnership with the principal and the administrative team, the Deputy Principal provides decisive and strategic leadership that strengthens staff capability and drives whole‑school improvement.

In addition to the broader leadership and management responsibilities, the ideal candidate will ideally have capacity to:

• Manage the operational demands of the school efficiently while protecting time for strategic leadership work, ensuring continued momentum in delivering the School Improvement Plan and Business Plan priorities.
• Build the capability of staff through coaching, mentoring and clear instructional leadership, strengthening collective efficacy across K–12.
• Display confidence and professionalism in holding timely, constructive and courageous conversations that support high standards and reinforce a culture of accountability and care.
• Work collaboratively with staff to embed our whole‑school approaches, ensuring consistency and sustained implementation.
• Forge positive, productive relationships with town‑based service providers and the wider community to ensure the continuous prioritisation of optimal support for all students.

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. These benefits include competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions. Here are some of the key benefits you will enjoy:

• Attractive Country Teaching Program Allowance of $10 210 a year
• Attraction and Retention Incentive of $2 000 see info below
• District allowance of $9 299 a year
• 12 percent employer contributions to superannuation
• 12 weeks’ vacation leave (school holidays)
• More than 20 days of other leave, including sick leave and carers’ leave
• Subsidised accommodation where applicable
• Free relocation
• Air conditioning subsidy

Teachers and School Administrators employed at Pannawonica  in 2026 are eligible to receive an Attraction and Retention Incentive of $2,000 (pa, gross – to be adjusted pro rata for FTE and tenure). Eligible staff will receive a percentage of this payment on commencement at the school, with the remainder paid at the end of the school year. Staff must remain employed in the location until the end of the school year to be eligible to receive the second payment.   

The ARI payment is in addition to other incentives that may apply in this school.

Find out more about the benefits by visiting professional and personal benefits.

For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at housing.transport@education.wa.edu.au or on (08) 9264 5154.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kristy Lackey, Principal on (08) 9134 9100 or emailing Apply on WA Government ↗Report an issue