Principal: Primary School

Mackillop College; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Onsite gym access

Discounted College fees

Job summary

MacKillop College Wyndham Vale Campus is opening a new Primary School in Wyndham Vale in 2028 to extend its Catholic education footprint in Melbourne’s west. The Principal: Primary School role commences in 2027 and will shape the school’s educational, pastoral and operational foundations in collaboration with the College Principal and Leadership Team.

The successful candidate will design and implement a contemporary primary curriculum, foster evidence-informed pedagogy, and build an inclusive

Qualifications

• Commitment to Catholic education environment
• Demonstrated leadership with strategic/operational balance
• Capacity to lead change and embed evidence-based practices
• Ability to create an environment where students flourish and staff are empowered
• Proven ability to connect with families

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of contemporary primary curriculum
• Work with College Principal, Vice Principal and Leadership Team to establish school foundations
• Develop an aligned learning community across campuses and Year levels
• Strengthen continuity of learning from Foundation to Year 12
• Build partnerships with families and the wider community
• Provide educational and pastoral leadership within MacKillop College
• Oversee operational foundations for a successful new primary school

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Change management

Staff development

Community engagement

Organisation skills

Continuous improvement

Pastoral care

Job description

MacKillop is a Catholic co-educational College in the Josephite tradition, inspired by the vision of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We are committed to nurturing lifelong learners who engage authentically, embrace diversity, and strive for personal excellence in all aspects of life. As an innovative and future-focused College, MacKillop offers contemporary facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and comprehensive wellbeing programs designed to meet the diverse needs of approximately 1,820 students across Years 7–12.

The MacKillop College, Wyndham Vale Campus represents an exciting new chapter in the College's history. Purpose-built to meet the growing demand for Catholic education in Melbourne's west, the campus will open progressively beginning in 2028 and will provide innovative learning spaces, and exceptional opportunities for students and staff. As part of a vibrant and connected multi-campus community, the Wyndham Vale Campus will embody MacKillop's commitment to excellence, innovation and faith-filled education for future generations.

About the role

MacKillop College is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the opening of a new Primary School in Wyndham Vale in 2028, extending our commitment to Catholic education and strengthening our presence in Melbourne’s West.

This newly created Principalship presents a rare opportunity for an exceptional educational leader to shape and lead a new learning community from its inception. Commencing in 2027, the Principal: Primary School will work closely with the College Principal, Vice Principal and Leadership Team to establish the schools educational, pastoral and operational foundations and create an aligned learning community, grounded in the College’s vision, values and Josephite tradition.

The successful candidate will provide strong educational leadership in the design and implementation of a contemporary primary curriculum, while fostering evidence-informed pedagogy and a culture of continuous improvement. They will build a strong and inclusive learning environment where every student is known, supported and challenged to achieve their potential, and develop authentic partnerships with families and the wider community.

The Principal: Primary School will lead the development of a school recognised for pedagogical excellence, educational innovation, and a deep commitment to student wellbeing. As a member of the MacKillop College Leadership Team, the Principal will also contribute to the strategic direction of MacKillop College, strengthening the continuity of learning and the seamless educational journey from Foundation to Year 12.

This is an exciting opportunity to help define the future of Catholic education at MacKillop College. We welcome applications from visionary and accomplished educational leaders who are inspired by the opportunity to build something extraordinary in the tradition of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

This full time, position of leadership (Primary Principal, Level 4) is for a fixed term of five years, commencing in January 2027.

Our ideal Candidate will have

• a commitment to working in a Catholic education environment
• leadership experience which demonstrates a balance of strategic thinking and operational leadership
• a demonstrated capacity to lead change and embed evidence-based practices
• an ability to create an environment where students flourish and staff are informed and empowered
• demonstrated success in building strong connections with families
• exceptional organisational, problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• a proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
• our welcoming and supportive culture based on Gospel Values and the Josephite tradition
• opportunity to shape the future for Catholic education in the community
• professional growth and career development within MacKillop College and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools
• empathetic staff wellbeing programs, including access to emotional support and counselling/debriefing
• contemporary learning facilities, across three campuses
• structured professional collaboration, including regular reflection on pedagogical practice
• access to a team of dedicated instructional coaches and teacher mentors
• free onsite parking, access to an onsite gym and discounted College fees

MacKillop College promotes the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all students