Head of Primary (ACC Benalla)

About ACC

Australian Christian College (ACC) is a protestant non-denominational, Christian Education organisation, whose mission is to develop each and every student to be equipped spiritually, academically, socially and physically to flourish into their full potential, and be a positive influence on the world around them. ACC is wholeheartedly committed to excellence in education so that students are “well known, well loved, and well taught” by dedicated trained Christian staff.

ACC is part of Christian Education Ministries, with 14 schools in 5 states, and is also the largest non-government Distance Education provider in Australia.

About ACC Benalla

ACC Benalla, is located at Benalla (2hrs north of Melbourne), and is a P-10, co-ed, Christian school. Secondary year groups are being added each year until P-12 is catered for by 2026. The school is in the middle of an exciting period of growth and development.

See a video giving insight into the school here.

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety & Wellbeing

• ACC Hume Ltd is a child safe organisation which welcomes all children, young people and their families.
• We are committed to providing environments where our students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and students.
• We have no tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm to students in our school environments.
• We promote positive relationships between students and adults and between students and their peers. These relationships are based on trust and respect.
• We take proactive steps to identify and manage any risk of harm to students in our school environment. When child safety concerns are raised or identified, we treat these seriously and respond promptly and thoroughly.
• Particular attention is given to the child safety needs of Aboriginal students, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, students with disabilities, those unable to live at home, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, and all other students experiencing risk or vulnerability.
• Inappropriate or harmful behaviour targeting students based on these or other characteristics, such as racism or homophobia, are not tolerated at our school, and any instances identified will be addressed with appropriate consequences.
• Child safety is a shared responsibility. Every person involved in our school has an important role in promoting child safety and wellbeing and promptly raising any issues or concerns about a child’s safety.
• We are committed to regularly reviewing our child safe practices, and seeking input from our students, families, staff, and volunteers to inform our ongoing strategies.

As a part of your application, you must read and support the Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy and the Child Safety Code of Conduct. These documents are also available here.

About the role

Applications are sought from suitably qualified and experienced educational leaders for the position of Head of Primary.

The Head of Primary is responsible for maintaining and developing the positive culture and community of the primary school, ensuring students have access to high quality teaching and learning. The Head of Primary reports directly to the principal. There will be a 0.8FTE teaching load.

This full-time position is expected to start January 2025 (open to negotiation).

The position involves working with children. The appointment of successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory employment screening for identity, rights to work in Australia, and child protection in accordance with CEM policy.

About You

First and foremost, you will have a sincere and steadfast relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Out of this relationship, you will act graciously toward all members of the school community and think biblically through opportunities and challenges associated with being in a leadership role within a Christian school. You will be a spiritual and educational servant-leader who seeks the good of others.

More specifically, you will have:

• a vibrant Christian faith, evidenced by service in your local church;
• the ability to articulate your faith to others;
• a commitment to the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of students and staff alike; and,
• experience in educational leadership

 Qualifications

• Evidence of the right to work in Australia
• Proof of identity
• Recognised teaching qualification
• Clearance status of the Working with Children Check (where applicable)
• Registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
• Statements of service from previous child-connected roles
• References from previous child-connected roles

Benefits

• Work within a school leadership and group executive leadership that has a clear Christian vision and a strong Christian culture.
• Attractive salary package (including salary packaging options).
• Play an active part in growing the school and providing quality Christian care to students.
• Grow in your faith, skills, and experience as you received support from the Principal and CEM Executive Team and Head Office
• Relocation assistance may be available (depending on circumstances)

How to Apply

Applications should include a covering letter. In your letter please address these 6 key criteria and any experience you have in these areas:

1. Being a leader in Christian education
2. Being a leader of learning
3. Being a leader of curriculum and pedagogy
4. Being a leader of school culture
5. Having experience and understanding of administration, budgets, and governance
6. Having high interpersonal and communication skills with staff, students, parents and the wider community.

Applications should also include:

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Certified copies of academic qualifications
• Contact details for at least 2 referees

Your referees need to be people whose knowledge of you as a leader is up-to-date. Referees are to include:

• The senior pastor of your local church
• If you hold a current leadership role, the principal of your school
• If you hold a Principal’s position, your current chair of the school board

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate an active Christian faith commitment
• Hold suitable teaching qualifications
• Be registered with the VIT (or be eligible to register if coming from out of state)
• Demonstrate evidence of performing successfully in leadership positions in Christian schools
• Provide satisfactory referees.