Deputy Principal - Secondary

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Vehicle provided

Housing allowance

Power/water contribution

Professional development funding

Discounted tuition for children

Employee Assistance Program

Generous leave entitlements

Job summary

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College in Wadeye, NT, seeks a Deputy Principal (Secondary) to provide strategic and operational leadership across Catholic Identity, Teaching and Learning, and Wellbeing. Lead with faith and vision in a bilingual, bicultural setting.

The role involves embedding Catholic values, driving student outcomes, and building strong community partnerships within CENT guidelines. Relocation and housing benefits are available.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Catholic education and being part of a Eucharistic community.
• Strong Catholic leadership experience embedding faith and values across school life.
• Postgraduate qualifications (or currently studying) in Religious Education, Theology, or Educational Leadership.
• Experienced school leader with proven capacity to drive teaching, learning and school improvement.
• Demonstrates strong pastoral care and staff development skills.
• Excellent communication and high-level organisational ability.
• Eligible for NT teacher registration and Working with Children Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide faith-based leadership embedding Catholic values in school life.
• Lead teaching and learning across the Secondary years to ensure high standards.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Pastoral care

Communication

Organisation

Staff development

Education

Postgraduate qualification in RE/Theology/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.