Principal - Sacred Heart Primary School, Sandringham

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 16,000 staff, and serve more than 114,000 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 strategic plan, MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.

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 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.

Sacred Heart Primary School, Sandringham seeks a Principal who has the necessary skills and qualifications, together with demonstrated experience as a faith filled and instructional school leader.

THE ROLE OF PRINCIPAL

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 SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL, SANDRINGHAM

Established by the Presentation Sisters in 1912, Sacred Heart School is a vibrant Catholic primary school located in the heart of Sandringham. Sacred Heart is one of the two primary schools situated in the Parish of the Holy Spirit and St Francis parish, which includes the Hampton, Hampton East and Sandringham parishes.

Sacred Heart enjoys a good reputation in the community and the Catholic faith traditions are visible within the everyday life of the school. Learners are encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogue and connect their faith to everyday life through social justice initiatives, sacramental programs, prayer and liturgy.

The school is committed to delivering a holistic, high-quality education through evidence-based teaching practices that are proven to support student success. Strong pedagogy and learning and teaching practices underpin and are aligned to the MACS Vision for Instruction and explicit teaching.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Sacred Heart is a vibrant learning, caring and connected community. The school continues to lead evidence-based teaching practices, and strong wellbeing approaches. School staff foster strong relationships with students and families, creating a nurturing environment where every child is supported to flourish. A broad and engaging curriculum, including specialist programs in STEM, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Performing Arts, and Italian are offered.

The school continues to grow and attract families to become part of the community and major building projects ensure the school provides contemporary spaces to support student learning.

Current enrolment at Sacred Heart School Sandringham is 272.

*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, 10 November 2025

#J-18808-Ljbffr