Are you an experienced school leader who develops genuine partnerships with Indigenous communities? Are you ready for a role that will challenge, inspire and help you grow? We are looking for our next Principal to live and work on Martu country, with community, and alongside Martu leaders and educators.

Rawa Community School, located on Martu Country in the far east Pilbara, is seeking a Principal to commence in January 2026. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead in a place where culture is strong, learning is grounded in Country, and the community is at the centre of all decision-making.

A Unique Leadership Opportunity on Martu Country

Rawa is an Indigenous-led school where Martu leadership drives the direction of learning. The school’s pedagogy, Nintikujarra Marululpi, was developed by Martu people to ensure learning is culturally grounded, relevant, and deeply connected to Country. You will be joining a team of Martu educators who expect you not only to lead, but to learn, and work together to deliver a two-way approach to teaching and learning. You will be supporting the development of a strong Martu teaching team alongside developing the capacities of our non-Martu teachers to deliver a two way approach that is complimented and delivered alongside the Western Australian Currriculum and Early Years Framework.

Working across two campuses you will be based in Punmu but will be expected to travel to the second smaller campus in Kunawarritji at least twice a term.

Regular trips out on Country are an essential part of the school program. As Principal, you will take part in these Martu-led learning experiences, observing, listening, and gaining insight into how the two-way approach is enacted. These experiences will help shape your leadership, strengthening your ability to support both Martu knowledge systems and Western Australian curriculum requirements.

Leading With Community, For Community

This role goes far beyond that of a town-based Principal. You will be working within a whole-of-community governance model, where Martu families remain deeply informed, involved and influential in the life of the school. You will champion culturally responsive practice, nurture strong partnerships with families, and help ensure that Martu voices remain at the heart of the school’s strategic direction.

Your leadership will support a diverse team across two remote campuses, fostering collaboration, high expectations, cultural safety, and meaningful opportunities for Martu employment and professional growth. You will also oversee school operations including wellbeing, attendance, logistics, staffing, and compliance, ensuring the school runs smoothly and sustainably in a remote desert environment.

Strategic, Operational and Relational Leadership

You will work closely with the Martu Governing Body, Business Manager and Accountant to guide financial, regulatory and strategic processes in line with WA Non-Government School Standards. Strong communication will be essential as you engage with funders, external agencies, and regulatory bodies to ensure the long-term success of the school.

About Rawa Community School

Rawa serves approximately 60 students across two campuses in the Western Desert, 7 hours drive from Port Hedland. The Martu community oversees and supports the school, with a leadership group that includes an elected board of Directors. You will be stepping into a school that is truly driven by the community, for the community. Rawa Community School is a place where leadership is shared, culture is central, and learning is two-way.

Position Details

• Principal (Full-Time)
• One-year contract commencing 27 January 2026
• Based in the far east Pilbara on Martu Country

If you are an accomplished educator who leads with respect, listens deeply, and is committed to learning from community as much as leading it, we welcome your application. This is not just a Principal role, it is a chance to walk with Martu people, contribute meaningfully to a strong Indigenous-led school, and grow as a leader in ways only remote community education can offer.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated success as an educational leader with strong commitment to developing and maintaining genuine partnerships with Indigenous people and communities.
• Navigate a two-way approach to school leadership, respecting and championing Martu leadership and direction, whilst ensuring the school meets state and federal legislative requirements for registration and funding.
• Support and lead a team of teaching staff with varied levels of training and experience to plan, teach and assess the Western Australian Curriculum and Early Years Learning Framework through a two-way pedagogy, prioritising and integrating Martu learning and knowledge systems.
• Oversee the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. Lead a whole-school approach to engagement and behaviour, supporting students as individuals who each belong and are important to the school community.
• Oversee the operational and logistical functions of the school. Work with a team of staff and external services/agencies to ensure the smooth operation of the school across two campuses.
• Support the organisation and facilitation of quarterly school board meetings and annual general meeting. Report to the board on school finances, student learning and progress and key milestones in the board’s strategic direction for the school.
• Work with the school business manager and accountant to manage the school’s operational budget and financial position.
• Adaptable and responsive in managing ambiguity and change. Experience leading teams to a culture of collaboration and adaptability, particularly when faced with unexpected change or uncertainty.
• Expertise in effectively implementing school policies and procedures endorsed by the Board. Experience leading and managing staff adherence to school policies and procedures, fostering an environment where feedback and appraisal is beneficial for all staff.
• Strong advocacy and leadership skills creating a positive and professional learning and working environment for all employees, students, and their families, ensuring all members of the school community feel safe, welcomed and supported by the school.

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.