<p><strong>Principal</strong></p> <p><strong>Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education</strong><br> Dural, NSW</p> <p><strong>Employment:</strong> Full-time, three-year fixed-term contract<br><strong>Preferred start date:</strong> Monday 1 February 2027 (flexible)</p> <p>Lorien Novalis School is seeking a principal who deeply understands and embodies the philosophy of Steiner education and can lead our much-loved school into the future.</p> <p><strong>About Lorien Novalis</strong></p> <p>For over 50 years, Lorien Novalis has educated children on our bushland sanctuary in Dural, in Sydney's Hills District. We provide Steiner education from Early Childhood to Year 12, alongside a welcoming playgroup for younger children and their families.</p> <p>Our education develops the whole human being through a rich, holistic academic program alongside music, art, craft, movement and Eurythmy. Learning extends well beyond the classroom through a unique and extensive class trip program.</p> <p><strong>The Role</strong></p> <p>The principal will work with the College of Teachers, leadership groups and the Board to enter a new phase of development, strengthen our financial footing, and build a confident, connected community of staff and families. The principal will ensure Steiner education and the insights of Anthroposophy stay at the heart of what we do and serve as the school's leading voice to parents and the wider community.</p> <p>We are looking for a principal grounded in Anthroposophy and Steiner's educational philosophy, who can lead the school collaboratively and meet the administrative and practical requirements of the role.</p> <p>The principal will bring people together, uphold what makes Lorien distinctive, and work with the college to ensure the school's educational model meets the needs of contemporary life.</p> <p>The role reaches beyond administration. Our principal will teach and mentor students and adults, develop the school's future leaders, and take part in its artistic life, including Eurythmy, Creative Speech and the performing arts.</p> <p><strong>Selection Criteria</strong></p> <p><strong>Steiner Education and Anthroposophy</strong></p> <ul> <li>Engagement with Anthroposophy and a thorough understanding of Steiner's indications for child development, from the early years to the senior years.</li> <li>The ability to articulate the foundations of Steiner pedagogy and their relevance today, and to present on them to parents, staff and the wider community.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Leadership and People</strong></p> <ul> <li>Demonstrated educational leadership that builds a positive, collaborative culture where issues are raised early and resolved fairly.</li> <li>A commitment to mentoring and training future leaders, building strong succession across the school.</li> <li>Proven ability to work across multiple stakeholder groups, delegate effectively and remain accountable for outcomes.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Enrolment and Financial Sustainability</strong></p> <ul> <li>A clear, practical approach to growing and sustaining enrolments.</li> <li>Experience with financial management, including working within a budget, controlling costs and reporting clearly to the Board of Directors.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Governance and Compliance</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience within a governance framework, with a clear understanding of the distinct roles of a board, a principal and teaching staff.</li> <li>Knowledge of NSW school registration, child safety and work health and safety obligations.</li> <li>Holds or is eligible for both NESA accreditation and a NSW Working With Children Check.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Desirable Skills and Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience as a principal, deputy or head of school; ideally in an independent or Steiner school.</li> <li>Steiner teacher training and experience as a Steiner class or subject teacher.</li> <li>Experience leading a school through change or renewal.</li> <li>A track record of growing and sustaining enrolments.</li> <li>Experience in adult education, teacher training or mentoring.</li> <li>A background in, or deep appreciation of, Eurythmy, Creative Speech or the performing arts.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What We Offer</strong></p> <ul> <li>The opportunity to lead a 55-year-old Steiner school into its next phase.</li> <li>A dedicated teaching staff, a committed parent community and a beautiful bushland campus.</li> <li>A full-time, three-year fixed-term contract, with a competitive remuneration package.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How to Apply</strong></p> <p><strong>Please send:</strong></p> <ol> <li>A cover letter addressing the selection criteria.</li> <li>A statement of no more than one page on the value of Steiner education in the modern world, and how that shapes your leadership.</li> <li>Your résumé and the details of three referees.</li> </ol> <p><i>Send your application and confidential enquiries to:</i></p> <p><strong>John Pater</strong><br> Chairperson, Lorien Novalis School<br><a href="mailto:chairperson@lorien.nsw.edu.au?subject=Principal%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow"><strong>chairperson@lorien.nsw.edu.au</strong></a></p>