Primary Principal

Lead with Purpose.
Inspire with Heart.
Are you a visionary educational leader ready to shape the future of Catholic education? This is your opportunity to step into a Principalship where faith, innovation, and community come together.
St Paul's Primary School, Gateshead, is dedicated to nurturing young minds and building a culture of excellence, inclusion, and connection.
We're seeking a Principal who leads with authenticity, inspires with clarity, and commits deeply to student success, staff development, and community engagement.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and guide a thriving school into its next chapter, we invite you to lead with us.
About the Role Lead with Purpose – Guide the strategic direction of St Paul's, shaping a vibrant learning environment where students grow as thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
Build a Thriving Culture – Foster a school culture grounded in care, connection, and inclusion, where wellbeing is prioritised, diversity is celebrated, and every person feels seen and valued.
Empower and Inspire – Lead a united and motivated team, mentoring staff through trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Champion Community Engagement – Strengthen authentic partnerships with families and the wider community, ensuring the school feels like home and every voice is part of the journey.
About You You are a practising Catholic committed to the mission of Catholic education, ready to lead with vision, compassion, and purpose.
You are a visionary and inclusive leader who builds strong, faith-centred communities where every individual is valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.
You bring deep expertise in contemporary primary education, with a passion for evidence-based practice, student wellbeing, and meaningful family engagement.
You lead with clarity and collaboration, empowering others, communicating with purpose, and driving innovation through trust, strategy, and a calm, solutions-focused approach.
POSITION DESCRIPTIONThe Principal will lead across the school community to : Model faith in action Develop and shape a shared vision focussed on providing quality educational experiences and learning outcomes for all students Nurture positive relationships between students, teachers, and all other stakeholders Support and monitor the learning and growth of effective teachers Set high standards for students and staff performance.
EXPERIENCE / CRITERIAPractising Catholic active in the life of a Eucharistic community, with an understanding of their baptismal call to share and witness the good news of Jesus Christ Demonstrated ability to articulate and create a shared improvement agenda that aligns with system priorities and embeds an evidence-based practice with high expectations for student learning and teacher practice.
Proven strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated capacity to build solid trusting relationships with students, staff, families, and all stakeholders An ability to effectively analyse and respond to student data on Catholic identity, academic performance, behaviour, and wellbeing to enhance learning outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to effectively optimise the school's human, financial, and physical resources to deliver high-quality organisational and educational outcomes Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislative and legal frameworks including equity and diversity, work health and safety, and performance management principles in staff management, with capacity to implement relevant plans and policies ensuring strong governance Experience in the role of Religious Education Coordinator (primary schools), or in roles such as Ministry Coordinator and/or Leader of Learning Religion (secondary schools) (Desirable)Experience working across multiple school settings (Desirable)Active participation and leadership in education forums (e.g., Principal/Assistant Principal Professional Associations/Networks) (Desirable)QUALIFICATIONSQualifications as a four-year trained teacher or Master of Education qualification (or approved as three-year trained due to significant prior experience as a teacher within the system).
Postgraduate qualifications (Category E) in Religious Education, Theological Studies, or a willingness to enrol and complete within four years of appointment Postgraduate qualifications (Category E) in Educational Leadership with a minimum of ten years teaching experience or an equivalent combination of experience, training, and achievement Active NESA Accreditation Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number Completion of anaphylaxis training.
How to Apply Please submit your application including: Cover Letter (max 2 pages): Address the selection criteria and describe your suitability for the role, referencing key responsibilities.
Resume: Highlight your professional experience, qualifications, and achievements relevant to the role.
References: You will receive an email via Xref requesting at least two professional referees.
Additionally, contact details for your Parish Priest will be collected through Xref.
For Further Information View the Candidate Pack here or for a confidential conversation, contact: Angela Bryant –Sarah O'Leary –Applications will only be considered if submitted through our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or Linked In.
Applications close: Sunday, 14th September 2025 at 11.59 pm Additional information The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons.
It complies with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse.
All employees must undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check as necessary, in accordance with legislation.
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