Assistant Head of Junior School

St Philip's Christian Education; Nulkaba; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

St Philip’s Christian College in NSW is seeking an Assistant Head of Junior School who is a committed Christian and an experienced educational leader to support the Head of School in shaping the school's mission and environment.

The role focuses on student behaviour, pastoral care, administration, and leadership of staff; you will lead the Junior School Leadership Team, oversee wellbeing, engagement data, and school-wide professional learning, and coordinate events and communications.

Qualifications

• Committed Christian with leadership in education.
• Experience in pastoral care and student wellbeing.
• Ability to lead and coach staff.
• Ability to coordinate events and school programs.

Responsibilities

• All expectations as written on the standard Teacher Job Description.
• Lead and be an active member of the Junior School Leadership Team.
• Maintain high standards of staff and student conduct.
• Lead and manage student behaviour and wellbeing systems.
• Active involvement in spiritual leadership and development of staff and students, including the leading of devotions and prayer.
• Empower others through delegating responsibilities when leading committees and events.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Pastoral care

Staff management

Communication

Christian ethos

Event coordination

Curriculum development

Job description

Start Date - Thursday. 21 January 2027St Philip’s Christian College is a rapidly growing network of learning communities continuing its journey to deliver holistic Christian education that develops the whole child - emotionally, intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually.

Introduction:

Start Date - Thursday. 21 January 2027St Philip’s Christian College is a rapidly growing network of learning communities continuing its journey to deliver holistic Christian education that develops the whole child - emotionally, intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually.

Our team thrives on fostering strong working relationships that continue to encourage innovative and effective change, benefiting both students and staff while staying true to the College’s core values:-

• Christ first
• Serve one another
• Strive for excellence
• Do what is right
• Build community

For over four decades, we have been trusted leaders in education, pioneering new approaches and educational opportunities across the Newcastle, Hunter, and Central Coast regions. We invite you to join us as we continue to explore and create better ways to educate, grounded in Christian values for the whole of life.

Description:

The Assistant Head of Junior School will be a committed Christian whose responsibility it is to support the Head of School to fulfil the mission of the College. This is achieved by supporting the strategic direction in order to build the desired school environment. The position has a significant focus on;

• Student behaviour
• Pastoral care
• Administration

What you’ll be doing:

• All expectations as written on the standard Teacher Job Description.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Be an active member of the Junior School Leadership Team.
• Maintain high standards of staff and student conduct.
• Lead and manage student behaviour and wellbeing systems.
• Active involvement in spiritual leadership and development of staff and students, including the leading of devotions and prayer
• Empower others through delegating responsibilities when leading committees and events.
• Encourage a responsive and collaborative culture aligned with College values.
• Participate in school improvement, evaluation and review processes.
• Represent the Junior School on College teams and committees as required.
• Coordinate the event management of key Sub school events including, but not limited to, A Splash of India, Operation Christmas Child, JS Disco, Grandparents Day, End of Year Awards Ceremony.
• Attend and be actively involved in supporting Subschool and College events, including camps, Open Days, Spring Fair, Colour Run, special celebrations and other events as directed.
• Maintain a visible and approachable presence throughout the Junior School.
• Attend Junior School, College and WHS meetings as required.
• Participate in, support and assist in leading the College Professional Learning Program.

Educational Leadership:

• Support and maintain a culture of high-quality teaching and learning.
• Promote teaching and learning as the core business of the Junior School.
• Stay informed of current educational research and emerging best practice.
• Contribute to strategic planning, evaluation and continuous school improvement initiatives.
• Support the Head of Junior School in monitoring attendance, behaviour, pastoral care and engagement data to inform decision-making and student support.
• Maintain visibility and availability to support staff in addressing classroom and playground concerns.
• Meet regularly with teachers and leaders to provide support regarding student wellbeing and behaviour.
• Ensure parents and carers are informed, involved and supported when concerns arise regarding their child's learning, wellbeing or behaviour.
• Address and resolve complex matters involving staff, students and families while maintaining appropriate communication pathways.
• Contribute to the development of teacher practice through staff meetings, professional learning and coaching.
• Model exemplary classroom practice and maintain a high standard of teaching within the allocated teaching load.

Pastoral Care:

• Promote a culture where every child is safe, known and valued.
• Protect and preserve the dignity of every student.
• Support the spiritual, emotional, social and academic development of students.
• Acknowledge and celebrate student achievements and accomplishments.
• Promote positive behaviour expectations and attitudes to learning.
• Respond to student wellbeing and behavioural concerns in a timely and supportive manner.
• Support the effective administration of the College's pastoral care and behaviour management systems.
• Ensure accurate documentation and record keeping of significant incidents, behaviour matters and support plans.
• Communicate with parents regarding significant behavioural incidents and follow-up actions.
• Support teachers, team leaders and pastoral care staff in managing students of concern.
• Oversee and support intervention programs, including reflective and restorative practices.
• Support and promote positive routines, and the high expectations culture of daily student management, movement between classes, break times, supervision, uniform, attendance and engagement.
• Liaise with Learning Support, Wellbeing staff, Learning Support Assistants and external agencies regarding student needs.
• Keep the Head of Junior School informed of issues requiring attention or escalation.

Student Leadership:

• Foster a culture of servant leadership grounded in Christian values.
• Develop student character, citizenship, responsibility and school pride.
• Coordinate the selection processes for student leadership positions including Junior School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains and Student Representative Council (SRC), in collaboration with the Head of Junior School.
• Lead and facilitate student leadership meetings.
• Support student leaders in the planning and implementation of assemblies, events and initiatives.
• Encourage meaningful student voice opportunities across the Junior School.

Staff Leadership and Management:

• Support and encourage staff wellbeing and professional growth.
• Mentor and coach staff in behaviour management, pastoral care and classroom practice.
• Lead a Professional Learning Group as required.
• Keep staff informed regarding important decisions, initiatives and operational matters.
• Support induction, supervision and development of new and early career teachers.
• Assist with recruitment, induction, performance development and professional learning processes as required.
• Support practicum teachers, Teaching School Trainees, work experience students and trainees as required.
• Model professional excellence, integrity, humility and servant leadership.

Administrative and Operational Leadership:

• Support the efficient day-to-day operation of the Junior School.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Junior School calendar.
• Coordinate and communicate key events, meetings and operational requirements.
• Prepare and distribute weekly staff communications and updates.
• Develop and manage timetables, rosters and schedules as required.
• In collaboration with the Head of Junior School, oversee day-to-day organisation and administration of the Junior School (Calendar, Events, Assemblies, and special initiatives and programs)
• Coordinate and oversee the administration of lunch clubs and student engagement programs.
• Assist the Head of Junior School in coordinating meeting agendas, minutes and action items for Junior School meetings where required.
• Assist with writing, editing and preparation of school publications, newsletters, reports, yearbooks and parent communications.
• Provide quality assurance support for planning documentation and relief teacher programs.
• Support effective setup and pack-up processes at the beginning and conclusion of the school year.
• Create and maintain displays and communication spaces that celebrate learning and community.
• Respond to day-to-day operational enquiries and parent concerns.
• Support the cleanliness, presentation and stewardship of the College environment.
• Visit camps, excursions and special events as required.
• Deputise for the Head of Junior School in their absence and represent their perspective in meetings where required.

Critical Incidents and Emergency Management:

• Inform the Head of Junior School immediately of emergencies and critical incidents.
• Assist in the management of critical incidents and emergency responses.
• Liaise with relevant service providers and agencies as directed.
• Provide support for students, families and staff following significant incidents.
• Attend required emergency management and warden training.
• Support implementation of WHS procedures and emergency management plans.

Skills and Experiences:

• Assist the Head of School in the areas of students, staff and the school community.
• Support Year Leaders and the Head of School in responding to behavioural issues.
• Support Year Leaders in liaising with parents over various pastoral concerns.
• Undertake orientation of new students into the sub school.
• Undertake responsibility for the student leadership program.
• Assist the Head of School in preparing and hosting staff meetings.
• Assist the Head of School in leading the learning culture of the sub school.
• And any other requests from relevant leadership across the school.