Principal - St Mary’s School, Hastings

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd; Hastings; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd. invites applications for the Principal of St Mary’s School, Hastings.

You will lead a faith-filled, inclusive learning community, partnering with parish, staff and families to realise MACS’ vision of Forming Lives to Enrich the World. As Principal you will model Catholic educational leadership, drive instructional excellence, safeguard wellbeing, support enrolment growth and steward school resources within a strategic plan, with commence date Term 1

Qualifications

• Evidence of strong faith leadership in a Catholic Church community.
• Proven instructional leadership with evidence-based learning plans and curriculum.
• Commitment to safety, wellbeing and MACS policies across the school.
• Experience in enrolment growth, financial stewardship and risk management within a strategic plan.
• Strong coaching and leadership to enable team growth and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead St Mary’s School Hastings in line with MACS 2030 strategy and Catholic educational principles.
• Collaborate with MACS, parish priest, staff and broader school community to realise school goals.
• Model and promote high standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care.
• Oversee resource planning, staffing, budget and compliance with Victorian and MACS requirements.

Skills

Faith leadership

Instructional leadership

People management

Budgeting & resource management

Coaching & team development

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

VIT Registration

Master’s degree or five-year equivalent

Religious Education accreditation

Working with Children Check / clearances

Job description

At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 17,000 staff and serve more than 118,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan - MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World that will help all MACS staff come together to make the most of what a Catholic education has to offer so that we have the greatest and most distinctive impact in our classrooms, staffrooms and schools communities. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here .

The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us.

YOUR ROLE

As a Principal, you will be inspired to lead a joy-filled community where students, staff, and families can flourish within a Catholic context. Your leadership will enable the vision of the school to be realised, creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. The role of the Principal is one of the most important roles across the MACS system, as their faith and educational leadership enables the vision of the school to be realised. This role will work in collaboration with MACS, staff members, local Parish Priest, and the broader School community to achieve the identified goals of the School.

ABOUT ST MARY'S SCHOOL, HASTINGS

St Mary’s School, Hastings, was established in 1919 following the arrival of the Sisters of St Joseph and has proudly served the local community for more than a hundred years. Located on the Western Port foreshore, the school provides a welcoming and inclusive Catholic learning environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Guided by the values of Faith, Hope and Love, St Mary’s vision is to be a dynamic Catholic learning community where the dignity of every person is honoured and embraced. Through high-quality, evidence-informed teaching and the MACS Vision for Instruction, students are empowered to become successful, engaged and purposeful learners who reach their full potential. The school fosters creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and lifelong learning while maintaining a strong commitment to wellbeing, safety and excellence. Inspired by the example of Mary and animated by the Holy Spirit, St Mary’s prepares students to become compassionate, resilient and values-driven individuals who strive for justice and the common good.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

St Mary’s School is a faith-filled and connected community that values strong partnerships between students, families, staff, parish and the wider Hastings community. As part of the Parish of Western Port, the school works closely with parents as their child’s first educators, recognising that learning flourishes through collaboration and shared responsibility.

The school maintains important partnerships with local schools, early learning centres, kindergartens, allied services and community organisations to support a seamless learning journey for children and families. Through a strong culture of belonging, inclusion and positive relationships, St Mary’s ensures every student is known, valued and supported. The community is committed to nurturing each child’s wellbeing, celebrating individual strengths and creating opportunities for all learners to thrive in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

The Principal leads a student cohort of 126. MACS is seeking a Principal who will continue to nurture the strong relationships and actively engage with the community.

*Enrolment numbers are correct at the time of publication.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Evidence of strong faith leadership through being an active member in good standing of a Catholic Church community, including Sunday attendance, whilst being informed by the Church's teaching and local mission.
• Demonstrated ability in instructional leadership, including determining and implementing evidence-based learning and teaching program and school curriculum.
• Evidence of unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all, including all MACS employees, students, parish, broader Church, educational system, other schools, and educational authorities in line with current community safety standards and expectations.
• Displays a strong commitment to enrolment growth, financial stability, and a commitment to risk mitigation whilst effectively managing resources within a regularly monitored, evidence-based strategic plan.
• Demonstrated understanding and enactment of the legislative and systemic compliance requirements applicable to all Catholic schools.
• Shows attributes of justice and compassion in setting high standards for self and others in the leadership of pastoral care and the provision of an engaging education that provides multiple pathways and options for positive outcomes for young people.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills to enable team growth and development, championing innovation and improvement to support continuous learning.

• Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Registration (including current criminal history check) or current Digital VIT Registration Card.
• Certified evidence of academic qualifications – inclusive of tertiary qualifications, academic qualifications additional to initial teacher education (Master’s degree or five-year equivalent) and accreditation to teach and or lead Religious Education in the Catholic School.
• Current resume
• Document addressing the Key Selection Criteria limited to four to five pages.
• The names and contact details of three referees including the Catholic Priest of the parish you regularly attend on a Sunday. These professional referees will be required to make relevant verbal responses regarding the applicant’s capacity to meet the specific local selection criteria.
• Certified statements of service from current and previous employers are required from applicants who are currently not employed in Victorian Catholic education.

Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire, and maintain a VIT and/or Working with Children Check, and must be willing to obtain and maintain a national criminal history check.

Candidates must hold full Australian working rights, and provide evidence of this.

All successful candidates will be required to complete a “Schools Fit and Proper Personal Declaration”

Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants

MACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your Personal information, you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS. Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process

For further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice here

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1 2027

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 9 November 2026