Principal/Tumuaki U4 (Years 0-8)

St Patrick's School (Napier); Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

St Patrick's School Napier invites applications from a skilled Catholic leader to guide a vibrant primary through growth and change. The role focuses on faith-filled leadership, strong curriculum expertise, and strategic direction to support both students and staff.

The successful tumuaki/principal will uphold the school’s Catholic character while fostering unity of purpose and high standards of teaching and learning in a supportive Catholic community.

Qualifications

• Be a committed Catholic leader who upholds the dignity of every person.
• Safeguard and strengthen the school's Catholic special character and charism.
• Support spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical development of every student and staff member.
• Give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, value cultural diversity and strengthen inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Be a committed Catholic leader who upholds the dignity of every person and participates actively in parish life.
• Safeguard and strengthen the school’s Catholic special character and charism.
• Support the spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical development of every student and staff member.
• Give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, value cultural diversity and strengthen inclusion.
• Support teachers confidently through curriculum and pedagogical change.
• Foster curiosity, motivation, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and independence in our students.

Skills

Catholic leadership

Curriculum leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Job description

St Patrick's School (Napier) Hawke's Bay

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

St Patrick’s School Napier, a full primary Catholic school, invites applications from a skilled, insightful, faith-filled Catholic leader who is ready to guide a vibrant school through growth and change. This is an exciting opportunity to lead with faith, mana, and integrity while strengthening unity of purpose, fostering harmonious relationships, enhancing the vibrancy of learning, and helping this cherished school shape its next chapter.

The distinctive culture of St Patrick’s School is evident from the moment you enter. Parents value the dedication, kindness, energy, and genuine care shown by staff, and the way students are supported to feel safe, happy, and engaged in their learning. The successful faith and education leader will sustain and strengthen this culture of care, nurturing students grounded in our Catholic faith and recognising the “St Pat’s Way” as central to developing compassionate, capable young people. As an accomplished leader of learning, they will bring high expectations and strong expertise in curriculum, pedagogy, and effective teaching practice, ensuring all learners are empowered to thrive.

Our new tumuaki/principal will:

• be a committed Catholic leader who upholds the dignity of every person and participates actively in parish life.
• safeguard and strengthen the school’s Catholic special character and charism.
• support the spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical development of every student and staff member.
• give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, value cultural diversity and strengthen inclusion.
• support teachers confidently through curriculum and pedagogical change.
• foster curiosity, motivation, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and independence in our students.

A willingness and ability to take part in religious instruction appropriate to the special character of the school is a condition of appointment.

We warmly welcome applications from leaders who can safeguard and strengthen the Catholic, relational and child-centred heart of St Patrick’s School while providing clarity, consistency, professionalism and strategic direction.