The role of the principal is to lead and manage the planning, delivery, evaluation and improvement of the education of all students in a community through the strategic deployment of resources provided by the Department and the school community. A key component of this role is to increase the knowledge base of teachers within their school about student learning and quality teacher practice

Principals have a clear set of accountabilities, which distinguish their work from other employees in the Teaching Service and the education community and are set out in detail in the contract of employment. The principal is accountable for the overall leadership, management and development of the school within state-wide guidelines and Government policies. The core accountabilities of all principals are to:

• ensure the delivery of a comprehensive, high quality education program to all students
• provide a child safe environment in accordance with the child safe standards
• be executive officer of the school council
• implement decisions of the school council
• establish and manage financial systems in accordance with the Department and school council requirements
• represent the Department in the school and the local community
• contribute to system-wide activities, including policy and strategic planning and development
• effectively manage and integrate the resources available to the school
• appropriately involve staff, students and the community in the development, implementation and review of school policies, programs and operations
• report to the Department, school community, parents and students on the achievements of the school and of individual students as appropriate, and
• comply with regulatory and legislative requirements and Department policies and procedures