Principal - St Mary's School, Mansfield

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 recently launched strategic plan: MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.

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.

The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us.

St Mary's Mansfield is seeking a Principal who is an educational leader who inspires excellence, leads with strong faith and integrity. Applications are invited from experienced educational leaders who are interested in a tree change or a return to the country, relocation incentives are available for eligible individuals.

YOUR ROLE

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 ST MARY'S SCHOOL MANSFIELD

St. Mary's School is situated in the rural Victorian town of Mansfield, which is two hundred kilometres northeast of Melbourne. Close to the ski resort of Mount Buller and Lake Eildon, outdoor pursuits and excellent food and local produce can be enjoyed all year-round, amongst beautiful alpine scenery. Mansfield is a large rural town with a connected and supportive community and in recent years many families have relocated to the town adding to the existing culture.

St Mary's is the sole Catholic Primary school in Mansfield.  The school is seen as a focus for the Catholic community in the area and Mass is celebrated in the church building on site.

St Mary's provides a strong foundation for their students intellectual, physical, social, moral and spiritual development. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, the school contributes to the development of a student's sense of self-worth, enthusiasm for learning, and optimism for the future. The school actively follows the MACS Vision for Instruction.

If you were interested in relocating to Mansfield and meet the criteria below you may be eligible for a financial incentive to assist with your relocation and settlement into the region.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

The aim of the school community is to ensure that all children are encouraged to achieve and work to the best of their ability and to feel safe and happy while they are at St Mary's. The values that the school embraces are informed by the gospel teachings, and they encourage their students to treat each other with fairness and kindness.

St Mary's school encourages an active involvement with the Parish and local community through involvement in St Vincent De Paul fundraising, Working Bees and Sport and Physical Fitness activities including snow skiing at Mt Buller.

Parental involvement is always welcomed, actively encouraged and valued. Some of the ways parents are involved may include School advisory council, parents & friends association, fundraising and excursions.

The community continually seeks ways to support families and students on their journey through primary school.

The Principal and its dedicated staff lead a student cohort of 140*.

*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 theposition description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria.

Click APPLY to submit your application.

If you have any queries about this role, or would like to have a confidential conversation about relocating, please contact Marwin Austerberry General Manager East or email

All applicants are required to submit a copy of:

1. Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching registration (including current criminal history check)
2. 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.
3. Current resume
4. Cover letter including your motivations for relocation
5. Document addressing the key selection criteria limited to four to five pages.
6. 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.
7. 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 January 2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday 8 September 2025