Principal - Hybrid

Work options: Hybrid
Regular reflective supervision and access to BSEM training
Balance + purpose – generous leave, flexible work, and wellbeing support.
Competitive salary negotiated with the successful candidate

Lead with purpose. Empower students. Strengthen communities.
Berry Street is seeking a dedicated and visionary Principal to lead the Berry Street School, a trauma-informed, multi-campus specialist school for students in Years 7–12 who are at risk of disengaging from education. Grounded in the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), this is a rare opportunity to shape inclusive and healing learning environments that support student well-being, achievement, and belonging.
Full time, Permanent role
Competitive Salary + Super + $15,+00 Salary Packaging
$10,500 Motor Vehicle Allowance per year
About the Berry Street School
The Berry Street School operates across four campuses in Ballarat, Morwell, Narre Warren and Shepparton. We deliver an adaptation of the Victorian Curriculum for Years 7–10, the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) for senior students.

The school supports young people who have experienced complex trauma, disrupted education and significant adversity. Our trauma-informed approach is grounded in the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) and centres on:

Unconditional positive regard for students
Calm and inclusive classrooms with small class sizes
Individualised learning plans and flexible timetables
High staff-to-student ratios
A focus on literacy, numeracy, wellbeing and work readiness
Partnerships with families, carers and support networks
What makes the Berry Street School unique is our unwavering belief in every student’s potential. We create environments where young people who have experienced adversity can re-engage with learning, build confidence and feel a genuine sense of belonging. It’s a school that leads with care, purpose and impact.

The Opportunity:
As Principal, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Berry Street School, with responsibility for:

Delivering the School’s Strategic and Annual Implementation Plans
Leading and developing the Senior Leadership Team across four campuses
Embedding BSEM across all aspects of school culture, teaching and leadership
Overseeing compliance, school governance and child safety practices
Managing financial and operational planning and reporting to the Board’s School Committee
Building strong external partnerships with the education, community and government sectors
About You:
You are a bold and visionary leader with experience in complex or multi-campus settings, known for your deep understanding of trauma-informed practice, curriculum, and compliance. You’re committed to championing student wellbeing and inclusion, lead with integrity and resilience, and bring strong communication skills and a passion for innovation and engagement.

You are ready to make a lasting impact.

Qualifications Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree qualification in Teaching/Education.
Minimum four-year trained teacher with full registration from the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
Current driver’s licence as regional travel is required to campuses
Experience in independent school settings, multi-campus leadership, or BSEM implementation will be highly regarded.
Why join Berry Street?
Lead a school that is transforming education for vulnerable young people
Work within a respected not-for-profit organisation with a broad system of care
Access salary packaging of up to $15,+00 per annum
Receive 10 weeks of paid parental leave and other generous leave entitlements
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to you and your immediate family
Apply Now!
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role by 5pm Friday, 20 July 2025.

Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received.

For any questions or to have a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Bonnie Pietsch, Talent Acquisition Partner on 0431 012 220 or Jenny McNaughton, Deputy CEO via email jmcnaughton@berrystreet.org.au

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National and International Police check if required and Workers Carer Exclusion Scheme clearance if applicable.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTQIA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.


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