Principal - Christ the Priest Catholic Primary School, Caroline Springs

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 recently launched strategic plan: MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.

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 CHRIST THE PRIEST PRIMARY SCHOOL, CAROLINE SPRINGS

Christ the Priest Primary School is situated in Caroline Springs, in the growing Western suburbs of Melbourne. The school was established in 2000 as part of the St Catherine of Siena Parish and offers a welcoming, faith filled learning environment where Gospel values guide every aspect of community life.

Staff prioritise student wellbeing and support children through a Positive Behaviour Learning approach, guided by STAR expectations: Safe, Teamwork, Achiever, and Respect. These principles are reinforced through explicit teaching and specialised lesson planning, creating a positive, inclusive and respectful learning environment.

A shared and embedded language of learning, feedback and engagement, together with a strong knowledge of current learning and teaching practices within the MACS Vision for Instruction, is essential.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Catholic identity and faith at Christ the Priest School is at the heart of the school's core values. In 2019 the core values of Service, Mercy, and Thanksgiving were introduced to shape faith, community expectations, and daily interactions in all areas of school life. The diverse and vibrant community takes pride in being inclusive and welcoming to everyone while being deeply connected to the St Catherine of Siena Parish.

Staff, students and parents continually strive to support one another throughout their child's primary school journey, strengthening parish and community connections with a global focus.

The Principal leads a team of approximately 67 staff and a student cohort of 500.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

Please refer to the position description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria.

All applicants are required to submit a copy of:

• Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching registration (including current criminal history check)
• 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 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 attend. These 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 Victorian Institute of Teaching (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 2026 or by negotiation.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday 1 December 2025

Application Procedures

Details: