PrincipalHybrid

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 + $15,900 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 $15,900 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.