Principal - St Mary's School, Alexandra

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.

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.

ABOUT ST MARY'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

St Mary's Catholic primary school Alexandra encourages an inclusive, learning community, that values safety, love and faith. St Mary's Catholic primary school is committed to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people which is a central and fundamental responsibility of the school.

St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Alexandra, offers the richness of Catholic Education and tradition to the growing child in an environment where its example is the centre of all learning.

St Mary's Catholic Primary School staff provide students with the best possible learning experiences and have high expectations for the students in their learning and in their relationships with one another.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

St Mary's Catholic Primary School strives to integrate its environment into student learning so that they come to know, respect and love the wonders that surround them.

St Mary's Catholic Primary School encourages members of the community to experience and promote the gospel values of love, empathy, trust, respect, honesty and fairness.

St Mary's Catholic Primary School aims to develop the whole child spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. The school works to build strong partnerships with the broader community of Alexandra and the Murrindindi Shire and has 133 students currently enrolled.

Local community organisations and groups are an essential part of creating strong rural and regional communities.

MACS is looking for a Principal who will actively engage with the community and grow school enrolments under their leadership.

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

• 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, 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:

• 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 key selection criteria limited to four to five pages. Please include your response to the additional Key Selection Criteria question
• 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

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 13 October 2025

Application Procedures

Address: 228 Victoria Parade

East Melbourne

Phone:

Website:

Executive Director: Dr Edward Simons

Enquiries: See job advertisement

Applications Close: 13/10/2025

Position: Principal

Type: Fixed Term

Hours per Week: Full-time

Position Description-Principal-September