Principal (Primary)

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong Careers; Wollongong City Council; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership development programs

Mentor funded by CEO

CEO support and guidance

Faith community platform

Job summary

St Michael’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Thirroul, seeks a Principal commencing at the start of the 2027 school year. The Interim Executive Director of Schools and the Diocese of Wollongong emphasise Catholic mission, faith formation and excellence in learning within a connected autonomy culture.

The successful candidate will model Catholic faith, lead teaching and learning, and develop staff through professional learning, feedback and performance management, with governance responsibilities

Qualifications

• Model Catholic faith in action and evidence commitment to the mission of the Catholic school.

Responsibilities

• Lead, design and manage the quality of educational experiences for all students.
• Develop a culture of effective teaching and learning within a collaborative learning community.
• Provide professional learning opportunities, feedback and performance management for staff.
• Drive innovation and change to realise the school's vision and improvement plan.
• Ensure governance responsibilities and compliance with system, policy and legislative requirements.

Skills

Catholic leadership

Educational leadership

Governance understanding

Education

Current accreditation to teach with NESA

Post-graduate study in a relevant discipline

Accreditation for Senior Leadership in a Catholic School (Category E)

Job description

The Interim Executive Director of Schools, Diocese of Wollongong, invites applications from suitably experienced leaders for the Principal position at St Michael's Catholic Parish Primary School, Thirroul commencing at the beginning of the 2027 school year.

In the Diocese of Wollongong, Principals play a significant role in creating vibrant Catholic school communities where every student finds meaning and purpose in their life through experiencing continual growth in faith and improvement in learning. Our principals have access to:

• excellent professional & leadership development programs
• first-class support from the Catholic Education Office (CEO) across all critical areas through our culture of connected autonomy
• a professional mentor, funded by the CEO
• a platform to contribute to the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Situated in the coastal community of the Northern Illawarra, St Michael’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Thirroul, is a welcoming K–6 school within the Diocese of Wollongong. Guided by the school motto, 'Lift Up Your Hearts', and a core mission to inspire excellence in learning and living, St Michael’s fosters a supportive, collaborative environment dedicated to developing the whole child through contemporary education and strong community partnerships.

Grounded in rich Catholic traditions, the school's spiritual life is shaped by its Josephite charism, inspired by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s call to 'Never see a need without doing something about it.' Religious Education, prayer, and social justice are woven into daily life, creating a faith-filled, values-driven workplace where staff collaborate to nurture compassionate, lifelong learners.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

To achieve success in the role, the successful candidate will be someone who can:

• Model Catholic faith in action and evidence a deep understanding and commitment to the mission and purpose of the catholic school within the broader evangelising mission of the church.
• Develop a culture of effective teaching and learning, by leading, designing and managing the quality of the educational experiences of all students.
• Build the capacity of staff within a professional, collaborative learning community through the provision of effective professional learning opportunities, regular feedback and performance management.
• Manage innovation and change to ensure that the school’s vision and strategic plan for improvement are aligned, actioned and realised.
• Display clear understanding of governance responsibilities and ensure that school processes meet system, NESA and legislative requirements.
• Recognise and build on the uniqueness of the school, church and local community to develop a mutually supportive, collaborative and trusting relationship with stakeholders to ensure their engagement in the life of the school.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current accreditation to teach with NESA
• Post-graduate study in a relevant discipline.
• Accreditation for Senior Leadership in a Catholic School (Category E) in accordance with the ‘Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead in Systemic Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong’ policy.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CLEARANCE

This role is classified as child related work and therefore we require a working with children clearance to be completed prior to your commencement with us.

Closing date: Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11:55pm

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong is unwavering in our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. This is at the heart of everything we do.

Every child has the right to be informed, heard, respected, empowered and to feel safe.

As school communities and as individuals, we commit to keeping children and young people safe, and to work together with them to create cultures that honour dignity and enrich wellbeing.