Principal/Tumuaki

St Francis Xavier School (Tawa); Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

St Francis Xavier School (Tawa) in Wellington is seeking a Principal/Tumuaki to lead a Catholic integrated primary school (Years 1–8) with around 165 learners. The successful candidate will guide strategic direction, uphold the school’s special character, and strengthen partnerships with staff, whānau, parish and the Board.

The role emphasises faith-filled leadership, excellence in teaching and learning, and culturally responsive practices aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Qualifications

• Be a committed Catholic able to authentically lead and strengthen the school's special character
• Inspire excellence in teaching, learning and student achievement
• Foster a culture where every learner is supported, challenged and encouraged to flourish
• Build strong partnerships with staff, whānau, parish, Board and the wider community

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and inspirational leadership for teaching and learning across Years 1–8
• Uphold and grow the Catholic special character of the school
• Drive inclusivity, cultural responsiveness and partnership with whānau and parish
• Lead staff development and professional growth to raise learner achievement

Skills

Catholic leadership

Strategic leadership

Community partnerships

Inspiring excellence

Culturally responsive leadership

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Staff development

Diversity and inclusion

Job description

St Francis Xavier School (Tawa) Wellington

Full time, Permanent

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Principal
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

The Board of St Francis Xavier School, Tawa, invites applications for the position of Principal/Tumuaki, commencing Term 2, 2027.

St Francis Xavier School is a Catholic integrated primary school (Years 1-6) with approximately 165 learners. Founded by the Brigidine Sisters, the school is grounded in a proud tradition of faith, courage, compassion, and service. Located in Tawa, the school is known for its inclusive culture, strong sense of community, and commitment to ensuring every learner is known, valued, and supported to achieve their potential.

This is an exciting opportunity for a faith-filled and visionary leader to guide a well-established Catholic school into its next chapter. The successful candidate will embrace and strengthen the school's mission to provide a Catholic environment in which children are encouraged to develop their spiritual, academic, physical, and social potential.

The ideal applicant will:

• Be a committed Catholic able to authentically lead and enhance the school's special character
• Inspire excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement
• Foster a culture where every learner is supported, challenged, and encouraged to flourish
• Build strong partnerships with staff, whānau, parish, Board, and the wider community
• Demonstrate culturally responsive leadership and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Celebrate diversity and promote inclusion
• Support the professional growth and development of staff

St Francis Xavier offers dedicated staff, engaged learners, strong whānau and parish support, a vibrant multicultural community where faith, excellence, service are at the heart of school life.

A willingness and ability to participate in religious instruction appropriate to the special character of the school is a condition of appointment. The successful applicant will accept responsibility for maintaining, preserving, and enriching the Catholic special character of the school.

Applications are welcomed from leaders passionate about Catholic education and committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of young people.