Head of Boarding

A rare and exciting opportunity with Australia's premier performance-centred school

The McDonald College is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational school in North Strathfield. We teach the NESA academic curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12, through to the NSW HSC.

The mission of the College is to nurture individual journeys in a creative and inclusive learning community that values intellectual inquiry and ethical decision-making.

We are unique in our offering of performing arts and elite sports. Disciplines include Acting, Classical Ballet, Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, Technical Production, and Elite Tennis.

There is a real sense of community at The McDonald College, and students are at the heart of everything we do. We share in their passion for performance – whether that is on-stage, on a court or in the classroom.

Our Boarding House environment is more like a big family living in a home away from home. We celebrate student milestones, performances, and achievements while providing guidance and support to these young people who live far from home.

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Head of Boarding

Permanent Full-Time 

Reporting to the Principal or delegate

Commencement date: Term 1 2026

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An exciting opportunity exists for a full-time Head of Boarding to join our vibrant school. Experience in a Boarding School capacity would be advantageous, but not essential, for someone passionate about parenting a 'big family'.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, committed and have a deep passion for making a positive influence in the lives of young people and for ensuring a safe and happy environment.

This is a live-in position, and the successful applicant will be expected to sleep in the House every night after 10.00pm unless organised otherwise with the full-time Boarding Supervisor. All living expenses are included in the remuneration package.

• Care for up to 45 boarders – girls and boys from Year 7 to Year 12.

• Run the Household. This includes managing all staff:

• Boarding Supervisors

• Catering Staff
• Cleaning Staff

• Security

• Be responsible for the well-being and recreational care of boarding students.

• Induct new staff.
• Be responsible for discipline in the House, including considering student leave with due diligence.
• Ensure the House runs in accordance with the College Boarding Policies and Processes.
• Ensure Boarding Practices are adhered to and updated as necessary. A summary of these is available on The McDonald College website.
• Ensure all staff are adequately trained in Boarding expectations and in the use of Orah (boarding management system).
• Manage all communications with parents.
• Organise and attend student medical appointments as required.
• Ensure continual communication with parents, giving them peace of mind that their child is well cared for and that they feel informed.
• Engage in College professional development and seek professional development relevant to the role for both yourself and the boarding staff.
• Organise outings when opportunities arise.
• Ensure staff maintain professional relationships with the boarders.
• Attend student performances where possible.
• Ensure the Boarding Handbook is up to date and that all NESA registration and accreditation requirements are met.

KEY CHALLENGES

• Have high expectations for each student and ensure that they feel heard and cared for, as if they were living in a family situation.
• Understand the needs of young people and the challenges they encounter.
• Be prepared to manage the House as a parent and the hours this may require.

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

• Take reasonable care of your own health and safety while at work and beyond.
• Manage risk and compliance through CompliSpace by reporting all incidents or hazards that may cause injury or illness, as well as any damage or maintenance requirements that affect the safety of the workplace.
• Comply with all College policies and standards and any reasonable instruction from your manager in relation to WHS.
• Participate in Occupational Rehabilitation programs as necessary.
• Contribute positively to the social and emotional well-being of the College community.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR ALL ROLES

• A current Working With Children Check.
• Completed Child Safe Applicant Declaration.
• You must advise the Principal prior to employment of any matter that would affect your employment or the reputation of the College.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR THIS ROLE

• First Aid Certificate.
• A current NSW Driver's Licence.
• Preferably hold the ABSA (Australian Boarding Schools Association) Duty of Care Certificate Student Residential Care.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise successfully with colleagues, students and parents, showing empathy and understanding in a calm and thoughtful manner.
• Desire to make a positive difference in a boarder's life.
• Be prepared to go above and beyond as a parent would.
• Have prior experience in managing a secondary school boarding house or similar experience.

Please note that if you do not address the above essential criteria, your application will not proceed.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS AND INTERACTIONS

• Boarding students and their parents
• Boarding Supervisors
• Catering Co-ordinator
• Cleaning staff (Boarding House)
• Principal
• Deputy Principal
• Colleagues
• Administrative Staff
• ABSA

PLEASE INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION

• Cover letter, addressing the selection criteria and acknowledging that you have no knowledge of:

• any Child Protection allegations against you

• any professional misconduct allegations concerning you.
• A full Curriculum Vitae.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• Completed Child Safe Applicant Declaration (see below).
• Contact details of two (2) professional referees, one of which must be from your latest employer.

HOW TO APPLY

Written applications should be directed to the Principal, Ms. Maxine Kohler, and sent to

Applications should be received by 4 pm on Friday, 17 October 2025.

Interviews will commence as soon as suitable candidates apply.

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing

All children and young people who come to The McDonald College have a right to feel and be safe. We are committed to providing a child-safe and child-friendly environment where children and young people are safe, feel safe and are able to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse and other harm and are committed to acting in students' best interests and keeping them safe from harm.

The College regards its child safe responsibilities with the utmost importance. It is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and maintain a child-safe culture.

Each member of the College community has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the well-being and safety of all students is at the forefront of all that they do and every decision they make.

The child's right to privacy is respected and supported based on honest and open communication. Fostering trust and respecting boundaries will nurture confident young adults.

The College's Statement of Commitment to Child Safety has been designed to reflect the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Please download the Child Safe Applicant Declaration from The McDonald College Careers page.