Deputy Principal

Waitaki Girls' High School; Oamaru; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Waitaki Girls' High School in Oamaru invites applications for a deputy principal to lead our senior leadership team. We seek an innovative, energetic and relational educational leader who can blend strategic thinking with practical day-to-day school leadership.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, a focus on teaching and learning, and a student-centred approach that raises outcomes for all learners while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership capability within a secondary school setting.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with practical school operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with staff, students and whānau.

Responsibilities

• Lead the senior leadership team and contribute to overall school governance.
• Drive teaching and learning improvements and raise learner outcomes.
• Oversee pastoral care, student wellbeing and engagement.
• Engage constructively with whānau, iwi and the wider community.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Pastoral leadership

Educational leadership

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Secondary (Years 7-15) / wharekura, Deputy principal

As part of our 2027 planning, the Waitaki Girls' High School Board is seeking an outstanding educational leader to join our senior leadership team as deputy principal.

Waitaki Girls' High School is a state day and boarding school for Years 9-13, proudly serving Oamaru and the wider North Otago community. We have a strong reputation for academic achievement and are committed to ensuring every student is known, supported and challenged to achieve her potential.

Our school is characterised by positive relationships, high expectations and a strong sense of belonging. We value excellence, participation and personal growth.

We are seeking an innovative, energetic and highly relational deputy principal who is passionate about making a difference for young people. The successful applicant will be an experienced secondary school leader who can combine strategic thinking with the practical realities of day-to-day school leadership.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and communicate clearly with staff, students and whānau.
• Sound judgement and adaptability, remaining calm, solutions-focused and effective in a busy school environment.
• Proven leadership capability within a secondary school, with an understanding of educational, pastoral and operational leadership.
• A strong focus on teaching and learning, continuous improvement and raising outcomes for all learners.
• A student-centred approach, strengthening achievement, engagement, leadership, wellbeing and pathways.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive leadership.
• Collaborative and empathetic leadership, building strong professional relationships and contributing positively to a cohesive team.
• Visibility, initiative and energy, with a willingness to be actively involved in school life and contribute wherever needed.

Above all, we are looking for a practical, positive and relational leader who understands that effective school leadership is built on strong relationships, high expectations, teamwork and a genuine commitment to young people.

Join us in helping every student create a positive future.

A job description and further information about the position are available on request.

Natalie Matheson, Principal's PA
***********@waitakigirlshigh.school.nz
03 434 8429