Principal - St Peter's School, Epping

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools - East Melbourne; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools - East Melbourne is seeking a Principal to lead a Catholic school within the MACS system, guiding vision, faith-based education and student outcomes.

The role requires dynamic instructional leadership, collaboration with parish and community, and strong governance across staffing, safety and resources to support growth and excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven capacity for faith-based instructional leadership and school-wide improvement.
• Ability to lead enrolment growth and financial planning within MACS framework.
• Demonstrated compliance with legislative and safeguarding requirements for Catholic schools.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Catholic school community to realise the MACS 2030 vision.
• Collaborate with parish, staff, and families to achieve school goals.
• Model strong safety, wellbeing, and inclusive practices.
• Oversee resource management and strategic planning to support learning.

Skills

Faith leadership

Instructional leadership

Strategic planning

People management

Governance

Education

Master’s degree or five-year equivalent

Accreditation to teach and/or lead Religious Education in a Catholic School

VIT Registration or Working with Children Check

Job description

Full time

1d ago , from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools

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 PETER'S SCHOOL, EPPING

St Peter's School, Epping is a Child Safe school dedicated to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children. The Parish of St Peter's in Epping includes four parish primary schools. As part of the mission of the Catholic Church serving the Parish of Epping, the school is shaped by the teachings of Jesus Christ and maintains a strong, highly valued connection with its parish community.

Large enough to offer exceptional grounds and modern learning facilities, yet small enough to know each child individually, St Peter's provides engaging, flexible learning spaces that support both independent and collaborative learning. State-of-the-art technology resources connect students to local and global communities, while an emphasis on differentiated learning ensures teaching meets each student at their point of learning entry.

The school's vision centres on being a faith-filled, inclusive community that embraces diversity, empowering students, staff and families to think critically and act justly, guided by Catholic values. Education at St Peter's extends beyond academics to nurture the whole child—spiritually, emotionally and physically—equipping students with lifelong skills to become compassionate, contributing members of society.

St Peter's fosters a collaborative culture of continual improvement, where staff serve as models of lifelong learning, committed to a physically safe and emotionally secure environment where every child is accepted, respected and challenged to reach their full potential.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

St Peter's Catholic Parish Primary School fosters a welcoming, inclusive community that values the partnership between home and school. Parents and guardians are warmly encouraged to engage in their child's education and faith development, with numerous opportunities to contribute to school and parish life. Regular school Masses, liturgies and Monday classroom prayers bring families together in worship and celebration.

Recognising that a strong sense of identity and belonging enhances student wellbeing and learning outcomes, St Peter's positions itself as a central hub where community, tradition and shared values flourish. Clear, consistent communication between home and school underpins effective partnerships for learning.

The Principal leads a team of approximately 26 staff and a student cohort of 348. 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.

All applicants are required to submit a copy or record of:

• 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 a 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,19 October 2026