Principal - Our Lady's Primary School , Surrey Hills

Role Description/Criteria

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.

Our Lady's Primary School, Surrey Hillsis seeking a Principal who is an educational leader who inspires excellence, leads with strong faith and integrity.

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 OUR LADY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL SURREY HILLS

Located in Surrey Hills, in Melbourne's Eastern suburbs, Our Lady's has a proud history dating back to the 1950s. The school fosters a culture of curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging students to explore ideas and challenge themselves as they progress through their learning journey.

Students at Our Lady's consistently excel across all areas of the curriculum. In addition to strong academic achievement, they have earned recognition in sport and enjoy participating in musical and dramatic performances. The dedicated teaching staff take pride in delivering expert instruction and supporting students to reach their personal learning goals.

Beyond academic success, Our Lady's promotes the development of self-efficacy and student voice. Learners are encouraged to advocate for themselves and others within a secure, inclusive environment that nurtures a strong sense of belonging.

A shared and embedded language of learning, feedback and engagement , together with a strong knowledge of current learning and teaching practices within the MACS 'Vision for Instruction" is essential.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Our Lady's, formerly known as Our Lady's Primary School, Surrey Hills and previously Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Wattle Park, has a rich heritage grounded in Catholic tradition. This tradition continues to shape every aspect of school life, with scripture and the teachings of Jesus guiding the community in supporting and caring for one another.

The Our Lady's community is vibrant and inclusive, with parents and carers actively engaged in a wide range of school activities and celebrations. Strong relationships and the well-being of all members are central to the school's ethos. Our Lady's remains a place where children and their families are warmly welcomed, deeply valued, and encouraged to grow as part of a nurturing and faith-filled environment.

Student enrolments at August census were at 124 , please feel free to reach out to Peter Vanston or Marwin Austerberry to discuss 2026 projected enrolment figures.

MACS is seeking a Principal who will continue to nurture the strong relationships and actively engage with the community.

• 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.

Click APPLY to submit your application.

If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our team by email

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
• Cover letter
• Document addressing the Mandatory 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: Term1 2026 or by negotiation

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday 10 November 2025

Application Procedures

Address: 228 Victoria Parade

East Melbourne

Phone:

Website:

Executive Director: Dr Edward Simons

Enquiries: See job advertisement

Applications Close: 10/11/2025

Position: Principal

Type: Fixed Term

Hours per Week: Full-time

Position Description-Principal-September