Visionary Catholic Primary School Principal - Wallan East

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools - East Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) is seeking a dynamic Principal for Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School, Wallan East. You will lead a faith‑based learning community, guiding staff, students and families towards excellence within a Catholic context.

You will work collaboratively with MACS, parish, and the broader school community to realise strategic goals, support staff professional growth, and ensure safe, inclusive schooling.

Qualifications

• Evidence of strong faith leadership within a Catholic context.
• Experience in instructional leadership and curriculum development.
• Commitment to staff safety, wellbeing and safeguarding standards.
• Ability to drive enrolment growth and manage resources based on an evidence-based plan.
• Understanding and enactment of legislative and systemic requirements for Catholic schools.
• Demonstrated pastoral leadership and care with multiple pathways for student outcomes.
• Proven coaching and development of teams to support school improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the School’s strategic vision in partnership with MACS and parish.
• Oversee teaching and learning, student outcomes, and curriculum alignment.
• Engage with students, families, and the local community to foster a vibrant Catholic school community.

Skills

Faith leadership

Instructional leadership

Workplace safety

Enrolment growth

Risk mitigation

Compliance knowledge

Pastoral care leadership

Team coaching

Job description

Principal - Our Lady of the Way, Wallan East

Full time

9d 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 excited 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 OUR LADY OF THE WAY CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, WALLAN EAST

Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School, Wallan East is part of the Catholic Parish of St Patrick’s Kilmore, catering for a large community of diverse students. The school is situated in the growth area of the northern outskirts of Melbourne and has grown from an initial enrolment of 63 in 2018 to over 700 in 2025.

The school is committed to the highest academic expectations based on data and evidence promoting growth and success for every student. Staff promote achievement of high academic standards and encourage all students to be the drivers in their learning journey to become active citizens committed to making a difference within the world around them. Staff work collaboratively to support each child’s academic, social, and spiritual development, preparing them to be confident and compassionate contributors to the world.

A strong understanding of current educational practices and MACS directions is essential.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

At Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School, identity is inspired by Mary as the First Disciple and guided by the life of Jesus Christ. Staff, students, and parents work together to promote a positive educational experience, where learning and wellbeing are deeply connected, and respect and inclusion are essential to creating a flourishing environment for all.

The community continually seeks opportunities to support all families and students through their primary school education in a positive and connected environment that celebrates diversity, differences and faith.

The Principal leads a team of approximately 80 staff and a student cohort of 710.

MACS is seeking a Principal who will build on the school’s strengths, engage wholeheartedly with the community, and lead with vision and faith, guiding the school through its next phase of growth, including upcoming infrastructure projects.

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.

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, 26 October 2026