Principal

Commencing Date: 12 January 2026

Tenure: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary Range: $157,772 to $172,598 per annum pending experience

Closing Date: Friday, 7 November 2025

St Mary's Catholic School, Bowenis a co-educational primary school located in Bowen. St Mary's is proudly the first Catholic school established in the Townsville Diocese and has 150 + students from Prep to Year 6. Established by The Sisters of St Joseph in 1872, the parents of St Mary's Catholic Parish have banded together with the help of religious orders and the wider Church to educate children with Jesus as the role model and Gospel values at its heart. St Mary's Catholic School has a proud ongoing tradition of academic excellence and serving the Bowen community, with small class sizes to enhance students' learning opportunities.

About the Role

St Mary's Catholic School, Bowenis seeking an experienced and dedicated Principal. This is a full time, permanent appointment, commencing 12 January 2026.

As Principal, you will lead a team of experienced educators who are dedicated to ensuring our students are provided with the very best opportunities to achieve their individual goals in a positive, safe and supportive environment. In addition, the Townsville Diocese provides support to you through its operational arm, the Townsville Catholic Education Office. This support takes the form of expertise in Learning and Teaching, Catholic Identity, Indigenous Education, School Development and Organisational Services, including, ICT, Finance, Human Resources and Student Protection. The position of Principal provides for the leadership and management of quality Catholic schooling and the growth and development of the Principal in the role. The Principal's call to leadership is a call to respond to the centrality of Jesus Christ and thus serve the Mission of Catholic Education. The Principal is the leading educational professional within the school, inspiring students, staff and members of the community to continuously enhance learning.

Key Leadership qualities and capabilities

• Promotes the Catholic vision in the school's goals, policies, programs and structures
• Baptised Catholic who demonstrates a commitment to the Catholic faith both at school and in parish
• Displays confidence, curiosity, enthusiasm and optimism
• Displays emotional intelligence in working with individuals and groups
• Builds an inclusive, trusting community and cultivates productive working relationships
• Is an effective coach, able to respond clearly and provide and receive constructive feedback.

Applicants should note that as part of the hiring process, a criminal history check and a bankruptcy check will be completed.

What we offer

An attractive remuneration package including:

• Annual Leave at 17.5% leave loading
• Salary packaging options
• Modern facilities, equipment and resources
• Superannuation up to 12.75% employer contribution
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service
• Up to 14 Weeks' paid parental leave
• Deferred Salary Scheme
• Corporate health insurance
• Induction, professional development and learning opportunities
• Wellbeing programs and initiatives
• Leadership Support

Our Organisation

Townsville Catholic Education provides a supportive, flexible working environment where care for the individual is an important part of our ethos. We employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission. Townsville Catholic Education has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people and/or adults-at-risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has a zero tolerance to abuse of children or adults-at-risk.

How to apply

• Please complete the application form
• Upload a current resume with contact details of three referees (2 x professional and 1 x Parish Priest)
• Upload a cover letter. In no more than two A4 pages, your cover letter must provide clear evidence of your demonstrated ability to lead a school in the following key leadership areas:
• Faith and Mission Leadership
• Educational Leadership
• Staff and Community Leadership
• Strategic and Organisational Leadership

Please refer to thePosition Description, Catholic School Leadership Framework and the Qualification and Study Expectations for Positions of Senior Leadershipdocument to support your response.

TCEO Strategic Direction

• For a confidential conversation please contact the Education Consultant David McNeale on
• For further information regarding the remuneration package please contact TCEO People and Safety

Applications during the shortlisting phase will be kept confidential.

Applications close: at 3pm Friday, 07 November 2025.

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