Director of Junior School

The Opportunity

St Mary's College is seeking a compassionate and innovative educator to join our College Leadership Team as Director of Junior School. This is a dynamic and evolving leadership role with the opportunity to shape the future of learning, wellbeing, and care for our junior school students.

As the College enters a significant strategic development phase under its 2025–2029 plan, this role will be central to driving structural and operational enhancements that strengthen student learning, connection, and evidence-informed practice.

This position is ideal for an experienced leader who thrives on guiding change, engaging with contemporary educational research, and fostering strong partnerships with families and staff. You will collaborate across the College to embed best-practice learning and intervention design, restorative wellbeing approaches, and data-informed teaching strategies.

As our approach to supporting Junior School students continues to evolve, the responsibilities of this role will be shaped through ongoing collaboration, reflection, and innovation.

About You

As Director of Junior School, you will lead with creativity, collaboration, and a growth mindset, driving continuous improvement and creating a culture of adaptability. You will play a central role in supporting smooth transitions through the primary years, ensuring every student is known, nurtured, and empowered to succeed.

You are deeply committed to the developmental needs of students in the primary years and understand the importance of building strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing. Your leadership is guided by current educational research and a dedication to ongoing learning. You excel at fostering meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff, and bring a confident, inclusive approach to leading change.

About Us

St Mary's College is a Reception to Year 12 Catholic girls' school located in the heart of Adelaide. Established in 1869, we are proud to be South Australia's oldest continuously operating school for girls. Rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition of 'veritas' – truth, our values of Community Justice, and Growth guide a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

Our Dominican spirit calls us to seek truth, act with courage, embrace open-mindedness, and foster a deep commitment to inclusivity and welcome. We empower young women to succeed in learning and in life, encouraging them to become compassionate, thoughtful contributors to a more just world.

At St Mary's, we blend heritage with forward-thinking education. Our approach is to create an experience that is dynamic, student-centred, and responsive to the needs of today's learners. Within our safe and supportive environment, each student is encouraged to grow with integrity, confidence, and curiosity.

Our curriculum is designed specifically for young women—creative, challenging, and enriching—supporting the development of strong identities, passions, and beliefs that will empower our students to make a positive impact both locally and globally.

Safeguarding Commitment - St Mary's College is actively committed to fostering communities of safeguarding that recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children and young people. The College maintains zero tolerance for harm of any kind.

Application process

Please visit the St Mary's College website to view the Applicant Information Package: Employment Opportunities | St Mary's College )

Applications for the position of Director of Junior School should be addressed to:

Heidi Senior

Principal

St Mary's College

Applications should be emailed to Human Resources Manager, Emily Semple at 

Applications should include the following:

• Completed CESA Employment Declaration Form
• Current CV
• Covering Letter (1 page), outlining reasons for your interest in and suitability for the position
• A Written Professional Statement Responding to the position with reference to the Key Areas of Responsibility in the Position Information Document. (5 pages max)
• Candidates are required to provide three nominated Referees. It is essential that you seek your referees' permission to list them as willing to speak about you in relation to this position. You are asked to forward to them a copy of the advertisement and the Position Information Document. This will mean that they are better able to speak about your suitability for the position, as they will be able to speak in specific terms.

Applications close: 9:00amMonday 15 September 2025