Principal

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retention benefits: work vehicle or $/

Job summary

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited invites applications for the Principal of St Peter's Primary School, Port Macquarie. This full-time, 5-year renewable contract commences January 2027 and leads a thriving three-stream school of 515 students, guided by Catholic mission and community partnerships.

The successful candidate will model faith in action, provide strategic leadership, oversee teaching and wellbeing, and work with families and staff to sustain excellence in learning, faith

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Education with postgraduate qualifications in Education Leadership, including four units of Religious Education.
• Experience leading a school or large program with a focus on student outcomes and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Provide faith-led, strategic leadership for a Catholic school community.
• Oversee teaching, learning, and wellbeing to ensure high-quality student outcomes.
• Collaborate with families, staff, and parish partners to deliver a shared vision.
• Model and promote the Mission of the Church in daily school life.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Public speaking

Education

Masters in Education Leadership

Job description

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools - Port Macquarie NSW

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited

Catholic education in the Diocese of Lismore is a long standing provider of school education on the north coast of New South Wales. 45 Catholic primary and secondary schools, operate in all major urban centres and many smaller towns from Tweed Heads to Laurieton. All Catholic schools seek to provide a comprehensive, quality education in a welcoming and secure environment.

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PRINCIPAL - St Peter's Primary School, Port Macquarie

Tenure: Full-time position, 5-year renewable contract commencing January 2027

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Overview of School

St Peter's Primary School is a thriving three-stream school of 515 students, built on a strong foundation of community, faith, and academic excellence. Modeled after our patron St Peter - a leader, community builder, and open-hearted person of faith - our vibrant community nurtures the whole child academically, spiritually, socially, physically, and emotionally. Working in close partnership with families, our dedicated and passionate staff ensure every student is known, valued, and empowered to make Christ-like decisions while growing into confident, lifelong learners and active citizens.

We foster a collaborative environment where teachers share their expertise to deliver engaging, innovative learning and comprehensive pastoral care. Our school offers rich opportunities for students to excel across academic competitions, cultural endeavours - including Dance, Drama, Band, and Choirs - and an array of sporting pathways with representation at Regional, Diocesan, and State levels. Joining St Peter's means becoming part of a supportive, hope-filled team committed to inspiring excellence, modeling integrity and compassion, and helping young people flourish in a dynamic, evolving society.

Visit our website for more information.

Position Overview

As the faith leader, the Catholic School Principal witness's faith in action, leading the school community to enact a shared vision that focuses on the provision of a high-quality Catholic education for all students.

The role of Principal supports the underlying Mission of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Lismore by delivering services that contribute to enabling students to achieve the fullness of life.

The Rewards

• Retention Benefits: Your choice of a work motor vehicle or a $20,000 annual allowance plus salary packaging options to maximise your salary.
• Relocation Support: Comprehensive relocation assistance plus reimbursement for on-site interview travel and accommodation.
• Health & Growth: Fitness Passport (discounted gym/aquatic), EAP services and opportunities for professional learning in leadership.

Work Requirements

• Compliance with Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead as prescribed by the Bishops of NSW.
• Hold a valid/paid NSW Working with Children Check.
• A current/valid Australian Driver’s License and eligibility to work within Australia for the period of the appointment.
• A cleared National Police Check.
• Current NESA accreditation.
• Requirement to travel between locations (as required).

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Education with postgraduate qualifications at Masters level in Education Leadership (including four units of Religious Education or postgraduate studies in Theology or Religious Education).

Work Experience

• Recent experience as a senior leader in a school.

Key Capabilities

• Demonstrated high levels of organisation, communication, negotiation, collaboration with all in the school's community.
• Proven experience in leading initiatives that focus on improving learning, engagement and wellbeing outcomes for all students in a student-centred learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to create, maintain and support high-quality inclusive, supportive and safe learning environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of research into teaching, learning and child development and how to apply such research to the needs of the students in the school. This includes the management of performance in the school and strategies to improve practice.
• Proven ability to apply knowledge and understanding of leadership, and management concepts and practice, to deliver with others effective strategic leadership and operational management.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Catholic education in Australia and demonstrated capacity to implement the Mission of the Church for Catholic Education.
• Demonstrated ability to support school communities to be formed in the Mission of Jesus Christ.
• Working knowledge of WHS and equity with a demonstrated capacity to apply related principles and policies.
• Respect for the teachings of the Catholic Church and by conduct and lifestyle, ability to give witness to the Church's mission.

Additional Information

• Relocating to the region? Check out The Welcome Experience by NSW Government.
• This position is open to suitably qualified and experienced applicants who are practicing Catholics with an understanding of, and commitment to, the mission and values of Catholic education.
• Preferred candidates may be required to undertake pre-employment checks, such as references and/or psychometric testing.
• We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies for this position and will not be liable for any associated fees.

Enquiries:

***********@lism.catholic.edu.au

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited is committed to creating Child Safe Schools.

Child Protection legislation requires preferred applicants to be subject to employment screening.