Deputy Principal - Secondary

Catholic Education Northern Territory; Wadeye; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Salary sacrificing options

School vehicle

Housing assistance

Power and water contribution

Incentive payments

Generous leave entitlements

Professional development

Tuition discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College in Wadeye is seeking a Deputy Principal (Secondary) to provide strategic and operational leadership across Catholic Identity, Teaching and Learning, Pastoral Care, Community and Culture, and resource management. The role offers a faith-driven opportunity to influence student outcomes in a unique remote community.

The Deputy Principal will work with the Principal to lead with vision, embed Catholic values, and foster strong partnerships

Qualifications

• Commitment to Catholic education and faith-based school life.
• Experience leading teaching and learning across secondary year levels.
• Proven ability to drive school improvement and cultural engagement.
• Strong pastoral care and staff development skills.
• Excellent organisational and administrative capabilities.
• Eligibility for NT teacher registration and Working with Children clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide faith-based leadership ensuring Catholic values across school life.
• Lead teaching and learning across the Secondary years with high standards of pedagogy.
• Support the Principal in driving school improvement, innovation and cultural engagement.
• Build strong partnerships with families, staff and the wider community.
• Oversee pastoral care and wellbeing initiatives for students and staff.
• Manage resources and operations in line with CENT policies.

Skills

Catholic leadership

Teaching leadership

Pastoral care

Community engagement

Resource management

Effective communication

Education

Postgraduate qualifications in Religious Education/Theology/Educational Leadership

Job description

Join a community where your work truly matters.

The School

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College (OLSHT) is the sole provider of compulsory education in the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye, 430 km south-west of Darwin. With enrolments of 450–550 students from Preschool to Year 12, OLSHT is a bilingual and bicultural school, integrating Thamarrurr culture and the Murrinhpatha language across all aspects of learning.

The Position

The Deputy Principal (Secondary) is a key member of the school leadership team, working closely with the Principal to provide strategic and operational leadership across Catholic Identity, Teaching and Learning, Pastoral Care and Wellbeing, Community and Culture, and the effective management of resources. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead with faith and vision, making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.

Why work for Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College?

• Competitive salary of $171,233.18 + Super
• Relocation assistance of up to $4,500.
• Salary sacrificing options up to $15,900.
• Allocation of a school vehicle - new ute
• Additional remote school benefits, including furnished housing, storage allowance, power and water contribution, and incentive payments.
• Generous leave entitlements in line with the CENT Enterprise Agreement.
• Funded annual professional development opportunities.
• Discounted tuition for children attending Catholic schools.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program.

Living in Wadeye offers a unique opportunity to experience and learn from the rich culture, language, and traditions of the Thamarrurr community while making a meaningful contribution through education.

Key Responsibilities

As Deputy Principal, you will;

• Provide faith-based leadership that ensures Catholic values are embedded in all aspects of school life.
• Lead teaching and learning across the Secondary years, ensuring high standards of pedagogy and student outcomes.
• Support the Principal in driving school improvement, innovation, and cultural engagement.
• Build strong partnerships with families, staff, and the wider community.
• Oversee pastoral care and wellbeing initiatives for students and staff.
• Manage resources and operations in line with CENT policies and frameworks.

Full details are outlined in the position description within the Application Package.

Essential Criteria

We are looking for a Deputy Principal who:

• Is committed to catholic education and is a member of a Eucharistic community.
• Has strong Catholic leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to embed faith and values across school life.
• Holds postgraduate qualifications (or is undertaking studies) in Religious Education, Theology, or Educational Leadership.
• Is an experienced school leader with proven capacity to drive teaching, learning, and school improvement.
• Demonstrates strong pastoral care and staff development skills.
• Communicates effectively and has high-level organisational and administrative ability.
• Is eligible for NT teacher registration and holds (or can obtain) a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).

This position will involve working with children. The appointment of the successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory employment screening for child-related employment in accordance with legislation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Applications close: 17 November 2026 (appointment asap)

The Catholic Education Office reserves the right to close this advertisement early or extend it beyond the closing date.