Principal - Ave Maria College, Aberfeldie

Introduction

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.

Description

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 AVE MARIA COLLEGE ABERFELDIE

Ave Maria College is a high-performing Catholic secondary school for young women, proudly grounded in the Franciscan values of truth, love, peace and compassion. Since 1963, the College has been a beacon of inclusive, faith-based education in Melbourne's north-west, empowering students to belong, engage, grow and thrive.

With a strong commitment to academic excellence, student voice, and holistic wellbeing, Ave Maria College offers innovative, student-centred programs within contemporary learning environments. The College's Charter for Education and rich co-curricular offerings reflect its dedication to nurturing the whole person - spiritually, intellectually and socially.

The curriculum offers a future focused learning and teaching program for students with many opportunities to develop the skills, dispositions and knowledge required to be successful and engaged learners. Educators are committed to provide all students with the tools they need to reach these academic goals.

A strong understanding of contemporary educational practices and MACS directions is essential.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Ave Maria College is more than a school, it is a thriving, inclusive community where students, families, staff and alumnae are deeply connected through shared values and meaningful relationships. The College fosters a culture of belonging and engagement where the whole school is known, valued and supported based on a college history and legacy in the Franciscan tradition.

Through explicit educational programs, student and community initiatives and partnerships with families, we nurture positive relationships and genuine opportunities for students to grow and actively participate in learning while contributing to the community and broader society.

The Ave Maria College community is fostered by the belief that God is 'the source of all good' and encourages students to seek out goodness in themselves and to share their God-given gifts while developing as a whole person and striving for personal excellence.

The school has a student enrolment of 860 and 120 staff.*

*Enrolment and staffing 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 to submit your application.

If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our team by email or contact Sarah Parry, General Manager North, School Leadership 

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
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 or by negotiation.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday 8 December 2025

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