Principal

ANZUK Education; Portland; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive five-year contract package

Potential principal residence negotiated

Job summary

A primary school in Portland is inviting applications for the Principal position, commencing in Semester 2, 2026. The ideal candidate will provide educational and spiritual leadership within a nurturing community. Responsibilities include overseeing finance, staffing, and school growth, while fostering strong relationships with families and the wider community. The applicant must be a practising Christian, possess senior leadership experience, and ideally hold postgraduate qualifications in leadership. A competitive five-year contract package is offered.

Qualifications

• Must be a practising Christian (LCANZ member or willing to join).
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in an educational setting.
• Eligible for VIT registration necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual and educational leadership in the school.
• Drive excellence in teaching and learning practices.
• Oversee finance, compliance, and sustainable growth.

Skills

Christian faith

Senior leadership experience

Educational management

Community engagement

Education

Lutheran school leadership accreditation

Postgraduate qualifications in leadership

Job description

Principal – St John’s Lutheran Primary School, Portland

Praise. Love. Serve.

Applications are warmly invited for the position of Principal at St John's Lutheran Primary School, Portland, commencing Semester 2, 2026.

St John’s Lutheran Primary School is seeking an outstanding educator and visionary leader to commence as Principal in Semester 2, 2026.

Located on a picturesque 10-acre site in historic coastal Portland, Victoria, St John’s provides a Christ-centred education to approximately 123 students (Foundation–Year 6).

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the School through its Strategic Plan 2024–2028, including the development of contemporary new learning facilities.

The Role

The Principal provides spiritual, educational and operational leadership within a supportive Lutheran community.

Key focus areas include:

• Spiritual Leadership – modelling Christian faith and strengthening connections with Portland-Heywood Lutheran Church
• Educational Leadership – driving excellence in teaching and learning through contemporary, research-informed practice
• Strategic & Operational Management – overseeing finance, compliance, staffing and sustainable growth
• Community Engagement – building strong relationships with families, staff, the Gunditjmara community and the wider district
• The role includes a small teaching component (approx. 0.2 FTE)

About You

You will be a relational and strategic leader who:

• Is a practising Christian (LCANZ member, open to joining, or willing to undertake the process of ‘colloquy’)
• Holds (or commits to obtaining) Lutheran school leadership accreditation
• Has demonstrated senior leadership experience in education
• Is eligible for VIT registration
• Holds postgraduate qualifications in leadership (desirable)

Why St John’s?

• A nurturing, whole-child learning environment
• Expansive grounds and facilities supporting sustainability and outdoor learning
• Supportive governance and strong community spirit
• An exceptional coastal lifestyle in Portland, Victoria

A competitive five-year contract package (aligned with LEVNT guidelines) will be offered. A Principal residence may be available by negotiation.

Applications close:

5pm Monday 6th April (Easter Monday) 2026

St John’s reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.