School Principal

Role Details

Catholic Education South Australia and The Diocese of Port Pirie are seeking an innovative and contemporary Catholic educator with a collaborative leadership style for the role of Principal, Samaritan College, Whyalla.

Commencing for January 2026, the successful Principal at Samaritan will be one who is committed to providing leadership for students and staff across Catholic identity and mission; teaching, learning and wellbeing; community partnerships and effective stewardship.

About the College

Samaritan College is a large and growing Catholic co-educational Reception–Year 12 school located in Whyalla, South Australia's third largest city. It is the only R–12 Catholic school in Whyalla, operating across three campuses:

• St Teresa's Campus – Reception to Year 6
• Our of Help Christians Campus – Reception to Year 6
• Saint John's Campus – Year 7 to Year 12

With a current enrolment of approximately 890 students, Samaritan College serves a diverse community of faith, culture, and background. The College is highly respected in Whyalla for its strong learning outcomes, commitment to wellbeing, deep parish and community connections and a welcoming culture where "everyone is known".

Founded in 2008 through the amalgamation of three Catholic schools, Samaritan College draws on the traditions of the Good Samaritan Sisters and Christian Brothers. Its motto, Faith, Wisdom, Compassion, underpins a vision for developing students as thriving people, capable learners, and leaders for the world God desires.

About Whyalla

Whyalla is a vibrant coastal city of approximately 20,000 people, enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine each year. It offers:

• Affordable housing and a relaxed lifestyle
• Strong sporting, cultural, and dining options
• Access to pristine beaches, fishing, and water sports
• Easy travel to Adelaide (45 minutes by air or 4 hours by road)
• Proximity to the Eyre Peninsula and Flinders Ranges

Whyalla is also a key hub for South Australia's hydrogen energy future and boasts major employers in steel, mining, and services.

Your new role

The Principal of Samaritan College will be a faith-driven, visionary leader who brings together a three-campus community, strengthens Catholic identity, drives high-quality teaching and learning, and fosters deep partnerships with families, parish, and the wider community.

They will be responsible for leading:

• Catholic identity and mission across all aspects of school life
• Teaching and learning excellence from Reception to Year 12
• Engagement with a diverse and dynamic community
• Implementation of strategic and master plans across the campuses
• Financial, staff, and operational management
• A culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration

Essential Requirements

• A practising Catholic who is an active member of a Catholic Eucharistic community
• Post-graduate qualifications in educational leadership at Masters level or above (or working towards)
• Proven success in Catholic school leadership, including team leadership and community engagement
• Registration (or eligibility) as a teacher in South Australia and a current Working With Children Check
• Completion (or commitment to complete) Teacher Accreditation (Catholic Education SA) and RRAN-EC training
• Willingness to relocate to Whyalla and actively participate in the local parish and community

What we can offer

• A base salary of $256,029
• Relocation
• Pool motor vehicle
• Up to 12 weeks renewal leave during tenure
• Study incentives of $10,800 during tenure
• 3 Professional Planning Days annually
• 3 Fallow Days annually
• LSL portability