Teaching Principal - Full Primary

Sanson School; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanson School in the Manawatū region invites applications for a Principal who will lead a warm, village school with strong values and high expectations. The role emphasizes visible leadership, community connections, and a commitment to nurturing both staff and students within a personalised learning approach.

The successful candidate will guide curriculum development, support teachers through mentoring and feedback, and promote a cohesive team culture while prioritising wellbeing and growth for

Responsibilities

• Build strong, authentic relationships with ākonga, staff, whānau and the wider community.
• Lead and teach with energy, high expectations and a future-focused vision; be visible, approachable and hands-on.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Coaching

Curriculum knowledge

Assessment

Job description

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Principal
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

Kia Tū | Kia Kaha | Kia Manawanui Stand firm | Be strong | Be your best

Are you ready to lead a well-resourced village school where tradition, heart and high standards meet?

Following a successful tenure, our highly respected Principal is taking his family on their next adventure. While we are sad to see him go, his legacy leaves Sanson School in a strong position for its next leader.

Located in the heart of rural Manawatū, Sanson School is a welcoming full primary school where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish through a personalised approach. With a vibrant learning environment, capable team and growing community connections, this is a school where relationships matter and every learner has the opportunity to become a confident, compassionate and capable young person.

We are looking for a leader who will...

Build strong, authentic relationships with ākonga, staff, whānau and the wider community, ensuring Sanson remains an inclusive and connected hub at the heart of the village.

Lead and teach with energy, high expectations and a future-focused vision. Be visible, approachable and hands-on, supporting teacher capability through mentoring, coaching and quality feedback.

Bring strong curriculum knowledge, sound operational leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, while nurturing a cohesive team culture and prioritising the wellbeing of staff and students.

In 2027, the school will be staffed at 2.8 FTTE, with a small teaching component. The school currently has a roll of 27 and has experienced some positive growth over the past three years.

If you are a relational, innovative teacher and a visible and courageous leader who can honour Sanson’s traditions while embracing its future, we would love to hear from you.

Physical address:
Main Highway North, Sanson