Principal - St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay

Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton; Mackay (ID); On-site; USD 159,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

12.75% Superannuation

Relocation

Professional Renewal Leave

Long service leave (portable)

Corporate health schemes (Bupa/Westfin

Fitness Passport

Professional development

Job summary

St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay, seeks an accomplished Principal to lead a three-stream, Prep to Year Six Catholic school within the Diocese of Rockhampton. You will guide staff, foster faith formation, and ensure outstanding learning and wellbeing for students.

Reporting to the Diocesan Director, you will coordinate with the Catholic Education Office and lead partnerships with families and the local community, sustaining a vibrant Catholic learning environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and current registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.
• Australian work rights.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school community to provide the best opportunities for students.
• Inspire students, staff and the community to deepen learning and Catholic faith.
• Collaborate with Catholic Education Office in Teaching and Learning, Catholic Identity, First Nations Education, Inclusive Education, ICT, Finance, Strategy, Business Development, Human Resources and Student Protection.
• Report to the Diocesan Director and work with the Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region).

Skills

Catholic education leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Staff coaching

Strategic planning

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Queensland College of Teachers Registration

Job description

Principal

St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay (current enrolment approx. 565 students)

$222,485 – $243,095 (including OSHC Allowance and 12.75% superannuation)

Full Time

January 2027

, 5:00pm This is an exciting leadership opportunity to lead the school community of

Position: Principal Location: St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay (current enrolment approx. 565 students) TEC Range: $222,485 – $243,095 (including OSHC Allowance and 12.75% superannuation) Tenure: Full Time Commencing: January 2027 Closing Date: Sunday, 27 September 2026 , 5:00pm This is an exciting leadership opportunity to lead the school community of St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay commencing January 2027. St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay is part of a system of kindergartens, primary schools and colleges operated by Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) in rural and regional centres from Mackay, south to Bundaberg, and west to Longreach. In your role as Principal, you will be supported by the staff of the Catholic Education Office in the areas of Teaching and Learning, Catholic Identity, First Nations Education, Inclusive Education, ICT, Finance, Strategy, Business Development, Human Resources and Student Protection. As Principal at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay, you will report to the Diocesan Director, Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton through the Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region). St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School is a three-stream, Prep to Year Six, co-educational Catholic school located in West Mackay, adjacent to St Francis Xavier Church. Established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1935, the school proudly continues its rich Catholic tradition, fostering a nurturing and faith-filled community where students are encouraged to learn, love, live the Gospel, witness their faith, and celebrate life. St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School offers a comprehensive curriculum with a strong focus on Literacy and Numeracy, supported by experienced and dedicated staff. Modern, state-of-the-art learning environments and excellent technological infrastructure enable innovative and engaging teaching practices that support student success. Students benefit from specialist programs in The Arts and Health and Physical Education, as well as diverse extracurricular opportunities including eisteddfods, environmental initiatives, cultural clubs, leadership programs, and sporting events. Kindergarten facilities provide a pre-prep program, and the strong links between the school and kindergarten support successful transitions for the youngest learners. Additionally, Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Care are available for families of enrolled students. In partnership with families, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School is committed to creating a spirit-filled faith community that sees the face of Christ in all. Guided by its vision, the school serves with humility, pursues excellence in learning, nurtures the Catholic faith and lights the way to the fullness of life for every student.

About The Role As Principal, you will lead a team of teachers and staff dedicated to ensuring students are provided with the very best opportunities to achieve their individual potential in a positive, safe and supportive environment. The Principal is the leading educator within the school, inspiring students, staff and members of the community to continuously enhance learning and personal growth while seeking to help others deepen their knowledge and experience of the Catholic faith and their encounter with a loving God.

Key Leadership Qualities And Capabilities

• Promotes the Catholic vision in the school's goals, policies, programs and structures
• Displays confidence, curiosity, enthusiasm and optimism
• Displays emotional intelligence in working with individuals and groups
• Builds an inclusive, trusting community and cultivates productive working relationships
• Is an effective coach able to provide and receive constructive feedback.

We Are Seeking To Appoint a Leader Who

• is a practising Catholic with a sound understanding of, and commitment to, Catholic education
• has experience of successful leadership in Catholic education
• can foster a culture of inspirational teaching and learning and lead the development and implementation of school improvement initiatives
• has the interpersonal skills to build partnerships within the school and with the local community
• is willing to provide leadership in the areas of the duty statement
• can lead in ways that are consistent with the message of Jesus and the Gospels and
  • Catholic Church teachings, principles and values
  • Diocesan policies and directives
  • Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton Charter
  • Catholic Education Mission and Vision Statements, policies, practices and strategic directions.

What we offer - in addition to a competitive salary range, the following incentives apply

• Salary packaging options
• Superannuation of 12.75%
• Relocation
• Professional Renewal Leave
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
• Access to corporate health schemes with either (Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance)
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Professional development and learning opportunities

Mandatory Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications
• Current Queensland College of Teachers Registration
• Australian work rights

Further information

• For a confidential conversation please contact Mr Michael McCusker (Diocesan Director 07 4994 8000).
• Applicants should note that as part of the hiring process a criminal history check and a bankruptcy check will be completed.
• For further information regarding the remuneration package, please contact Employee Support Services [e-mail]
• Applications during the shortlisting phase will be kept confidential.

Applications close: Sunday, 27 September 2026 5:00pm.

Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures and is an equal opportunity employer.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. #bethedifference