Deputy Principal And Senco

Kaikorai School; Otago; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaikorai Primary School invites applicants for the role of Deputy Principal and SENCO to join the senior leadership team. You will work with the Principal to foster an inclusive, high-performing environment and lead Learning Support, Pastoral Care, ESOL, and Operational systems with heart and clarity.

The successful candidate will be emotionally intelligent, able to build trust with kaiako, tamariki, whānau; bring SENCO leadership experience, and demonstrate Te Tiriti-led practice, curriculum

Qualifications

• Emotionally intelligent, building trust-based relationships with kaiako, tamariki, and whānau.
• Experienced in SENCO leadership, funding applications, and inclusive practice.
• Skilled in curriculum leadership across NZC Phases 1 and 2
• Culturally responsive, Te Tiriti-led practice.
• Highly organised, strategic, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Warm and restorative in pastoral care, with a collaborative approach, empathy, accountability, and a great sense of humour.

Responsibilities

• Lead Learning Support, Pastoral Care, ESOL, and Operational systems with heart, efficiency and clarity.
• Work collaboratively with the Principal to shape strategic direction and school initiatives.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing school environment.
• Provide leadership within the senior leadership team and across the school.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Relationship building

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Organization

Calm under pressure

Pastoral care

Job description

Our much-loved and valued Deputy Principal and SENCO is moving north, creating a leadership opportunity at Kaikorai Primary School. We seek an inspirational, proven leader of both people and projects to join our senior leadership team. Working collaboratively alongside the Principal, you will foster an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing school environment while leading our Learning Support, Pastoral Care, ESOL, and Operational systems with heart, efficiency, and clarity.

We seek a leader who is:

Emotionally intelligent, building strong, trust-based relationships with kaiako, tamariki, and whānau.

Experienced in SENCO leadership, funding applications, and inclusive practice.

Skilled in curriculum leadership across NZC Phases 1 and 2

Culturally responsive, with a demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti-led practice.

Highly organised, strategic, proactive, and calm under pressure.

Warm and restorative in pastoral care, with a collaborative approach, empathy, accountability, and a great sense of humour.

Why join our team?

At Kaikorai Primary School, you will join a vibrant, welcoming, and supportive community where staff wellbeing and professional growth are genuinely prioritised.

Our school culture is built on trust, collaboration, and a collective commitment to ensuring every tamariki thrives.

As Deputy Principal, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic direction alongside a supportive Principal and a dedicated, highly skilled teaching team.

You will have the agency to innovate, lead key school-wide initiatives, and make a tangible difference in the lives of diverse learners and their whānau.

We offer a positive work environment where your leadership will be valued, your professional development will be actively supported, and your achievements will be celebrated, all supported by a warm community, a strong sense of humour, and a shared vision for educational excellence.

Visits to the school prior to applying are encouraged.

Sector Primary and intermediate (Years 1-8) / kura tuatahi

Position Full time, Permanent

Learning areas English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts