Catholic School Principal — Lead & Inspire

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) seeks an inspiring Principal for St Anthony’s School, Alphington. The role leads a Catholic learning community, aligns the school with MACS strategic plan and ensures high expectations for faith, learning and wellbeing.

Collaboration with MACS, parish, staff and families will realise the school’s vision. The Principal will guide instructional programs, pastoral care, enrolment growth and financial stewardship, while modelling Catholic values and

Qualifications

• Evidence of strong faith leadership in a Catholic school community.
• Demonstrated instructional leadership and curriculum oversight.
• Commitment to safety, wellbeing and MACS policy compliance.
• Proven enrolment growth, financial stewardship and risk management.
• Experience in pastoral care and student wellbeing leadership.
• Strong coaching, team development and continuous improvement skills.

Skills

Faith leadership

Instructional leadership

Enrolment growth

Financial management

Pastoral care

Coaching & leadership

Education

VIT Registration

Master's degree or 5-year equivalent

Religious Education accreditation

Job description

Principal - St Anthony's School, Alphington

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – Alphington VIC

At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 17,000 staff and serve more than 118,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan - MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World that will help all MACS staff come together to make the most of what a Catholic education has to offer so that we have the greatest and most distinctive impact in our classrooms, staffrooms and schools communities. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here.

The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us.

YOUR ROLE

As a Principal, you will be inspired to lead a joy-filled community where students, staff, and families can flourish within a Catholic context. Your leadership will enable the vision of the school to be realised, creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. The role of the Principal is one of the most important roles across the MACS system, as their faith and educational leadership enables the vision of the school to be realised. This role will work in collaboration with MACS, staff members, local Parish Priest, and the broader School community to achieve the identified goals of the School.

ABOUT ST ANTHONY’S SCHOOL, ALPHINGTON

St Anthony’s School, Alphington, is a welcoming Catholic primary school with a proud history of providing quality education and supporting its local community since 1917. Today, St Anthony’s provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, comprising 12 classrooms, flexible multi-learning areas and a renovated playground. Small class sizes enable a personalised approach to learning, allowing the school’s experienced and dedicated staff to respond to the individual needs, interests and experiences of each student.

St Anthony’s is committed to the holistic development of every child, supporting students’ educational, social, physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Through fostering a genuine love of learning, the school seeks to equip students with the confidence, skills and capabilities required to thrive both personally and academically.

Student voice and leadership are integral to the school’s approach to education. Students are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in and contribute to school life through the Student Representative Council, Vertical Groups Program, Year 5 and 6 leadership programs, and house teams, supporting the development of confidence, responsibility and leadership capabilities.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

St Anthony’s Primary School, Alphington, is a vibrant and welcoming Catholic community with strong connections to its parish and the broader local community. The school highly values parent participation and encourages families to play an active role in school life, contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment.

St Anthony’s is further supported by a diverse and committed Parents & Friends community, whose active involvement strengths the school’s sense of belonging and community spirit. Parent volunteers contribute to a range of school and community activities, functions and social events, including the school’s annual Twilight Fair. The collective involvement of students, families, staff, the parish and the wider community contributes to the strong sense of connection, belonging and partnership that characterises St Anthony’s Primary School, Alphington.

The Principal leads a team of approximately 19 staff and a student cohort of 102.

*Enrolment numbers are correct at the time of publication.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Evidence of strong faith leadership through being an active member in good standing of a Catholic Church community, including Sunday attendance, whilst being informed by the Church's teaching and local mission.
• Demonstrated ability in instructional leadership, including determining and implementing evidence-based learning and teaching program and school curriculum.
• Evidence of unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all, including all MACS employees, students, parish, broader church, educational system, other schools, and educational authorities in line with current community safety standards and expectations.
• Displays a strong commitment to enrolment growth, financial stability, and a commitment to risk mitigation whilst effectively managing resources within a regularly monitored, evidence-based strategic plan.
• Demonstrated understanding and enactment of the legislative and systemic compliance requirements applicable to all Catholic schools.
• Shows attributes of justice and compassion in setting high standards for self and others in the leadership of pastoral care and the provision of an engaging education that provides multiple pathways and options for positive outcomes for young people.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills to enable team growth and development, championing innovation and improvement to support continuous learning.

All applicants are required to submit a copy or record of:

• Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Registration (including current criminal history check) or current Digital VIT Registration Card.
• Certified evidence of academic qualifications – inclusive of tertiary qualifications, academic qualifications additional to initial teacher education (Master’s degree or five-year equivalent) and accreditation to teach and or lead Religious Education in a Catholic School.
• Current resume
• Document addressing the Key Selection Criteria limited to four to five pages.
• The names and contact details of three referees including the Catholic Priest of the Parish you regularly attend on a Sunday. These professional referees will be required to make relevant verbal responses regarding the applicant’s capacity to meet the specific local selection criteria.
• Certified statements of service from current and previous employers are required from applicants who are currently not employed in Victorian Catholic education.

Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire, and maintain a VIT and/or Working with Children Check, and must be willing to obtain and maintain a national criminal history check.

Candidates must hold full Australian working rights, and provide evidence of this.

All successful candidates will be required to complete a “Schools Fit and Proper Personal Declaration”

Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants

MACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your Personal information, you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS. Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process

For further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice here

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1 2027

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 26 October 2026