DEPUTY PRINCIPAL LYREBIRD COLLEGE
- Lyrebird College
- Coldstream VIC, Australia
Job Description
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL LYREBIRD COLLEGE
Exciting leadership opportunity
Lyrebird College is a small specialist independent school located in Coldstream in the Yarra Ranges, providing tailored education for children and young people aged 5 to 18 with high needs Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The College delivers structured, individualised and evidence-informed educational programs that prioritise academic learning, skill development and measurable progress against curriculum and personalised learning goals.
Educational programs are informed by the principles and practices of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, ensuring instruction is structured, responsive, and supportive of each student’s learning and developmental needs.
Lyrebird College is seeking a highly capable and motivated educator to join our community as Deputy Principal. This position offers a valuable leadership development opportunity for an experienced educator with aspirations toward senior leadership and future principalship within a specialist education setting.
The role will suit a professional who thrives in a fast paced environment and is confident supporting teachers and the principal within a specialist education setting. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgement, initiative and discretion, with the capacity to anticipate needs and respond calmly and effectively to evolving demands. A strong commitment to fostering a positive, respectful and inclusive school culture, and the ability to build trusted relationships across the school community, are essential.
This position requires confidence working in environments that support students with complex learning and regulation needs. The successful applicant will demonstrate a calm, empathetic and professional approach, with an understanding of autism and disability-inclusive practices, and the ability to engage sensitively with students, staff, families and external stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills are central to success in this role.
Lyrebird College offers a warm, collaborative and values driven working environment, underpinned by a supportive and engaged Board and a leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth. As an emerging specialist school, the College provides a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of systems, culture and practice, while working within a flexible role that can evolve to reflect strengths and interests. Staff are supported to work thoughtfully, collaboratively and with purpose, making Lyrebird College a rewarding and supportive place to build and grow a leadership career.
To Apply
Please visit our website, learn about our work, and review the position information in Professionals.
Applications must be submitted in PDF format and include:
- A letter of introduction and a one-page response to the duties and responsibilities listed in the position description and how you would meet them;
- A current curriculum vitae outlining previous experience and skills;
- Three referees (including contact details). Please include a referee from current or most recent place of employment, if this is a school it needs to be the principal.
· Interested applicants are encouraged to make contact to discuss the role and the school more broadly with the Principal, school tours are also welcomed prior to submitting applications.
Please address all enquiries and applications to:
Julie Kugler
0407 175 507
julie.kugler@lyrebirdcollege.vic.edu.au
CLOSING DATE – 6 March 2026
Apply Now
What’s In a Name?
The name “Lyrebird College” was chosen for our school not only because the Lyrebird is native to the Yarra Ranges but because a number of the traits the Lyrebird exhibits are mirrored in many people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Lyrebirds are natural mimics which is one of the first skills all children are taught, and mimicry is a vital skill for all children with an ASD to learn. This can be in the form of echolalia or the imitating of movie scripts and turning them into their own conversations. A Lyrebird will create a cacophony of complex sounds from those around them such as a laugh from a kookaburra, a song from a magpie or even a chainsaw. It then fashions these sounds into its own unique song. This uniqueness is also aligned with people with an ASD.
Lyrebirds are known for being socially shy and difficult to see in the wild. They keep to themselves and just like some people with an ASD, they prefer their own space.
Lyrebirds are beautiful.
Our Vision Statement
Lyrebird College will pursue excellence in the education of young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Mission Statement
Lyrebird College will:
- deliver an individualised curriculum that recognises every child’s right to be supported in a joyful and caring learning environment that enables them to meet their full potential.
- develop and promote good practice amongst professionals and carers in the delivery of the individualised curriculum.
- promote an understanding of autism in the wider community.
Core Values
- Learning while happy; happiness through learning.
- Safety for children; peace of mind for parents.
- Belief that every individual can learn and has the right to learn.
Our Commitment
- Continually strive for a deep understanding of each individual student.
- Celebrate the achievements of our students.
- Foster and maintain a culture of best practice.
- Embed a child safe culture so that students feel safe and are safe.
- Create and nurture a team of the highest quality professionals.
- Encourage commitment and dedication from our staff.
- Recognise the skills and strengths of our staff.
- Seek continuous improvement in all we do.
- Remain open to the acceptance of new ideas and approaches.
- Maintain prudent financial and risk management whilst pursuing growth opportunities.
- Promote constructive involvement within the community.
- Create positive and beneficial parent-school partnerships.
Democratic Principles
Lyrebird College is committed to providing an environment which adheres to, and promotes the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including:
- elected governments
- rule of law;
- equal rights of all before the law;
- freedom of religion;
- freedom of speech and association; and
- the values of openness and tolerance.