Principal

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited

Catholic education in the Diocese of Lismore is a long standing provider of school education on the north coast of New South Wales. 45 Catholic primary and secondary schools, operate in all major urban centres and many smaller towns from Tweed Heads to Laurieton. All Catholic schools seek to provide a comprehensive, quality education in a welcoming and secure environment.

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PRINCIPAL - St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballina

Full-time position, 5-year renewable contract.

Commencing 26 January 2026, or in negotiation with the successful candidate.

Relocation assistance available. Work motor vehicle provided.

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Overview of School:

St Francis Xavier Primary School enjoys a rich and diverse history. Founded by the Presentation Sisters in 1892, we pride ourselves on catering for students from K-6 from a wide range of backgrounds, and varying degrees of needs and abilities. We are committed to the development of the whole person, with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ at the heart of the life of our school. Our commitment to the Gospel values of: love, peace and justice, helps create a school climate where everyone is respected and valued. Daily prayer is important.

The school enjoys wonderful resources, which include interactive whiteboards in every classroom, state of the art Library and Creative and Performing Arts facility, school hall, multi-purpose court, synthetic running track and fitness circuit and netbook laptops. Sporting participation includes participation in touch football, league, AFL, union, soccer, swimming, cross country and athletics. We are also fortunate to have a very active Parent Forum, which is well attended. For further information, please see our school website. 

Overview of Role: 

The Catholic School Principal serves as a Christ centered leader who models the ‘Fullness of Life’ framework, “A framework to support our students in Christ to learn well and live well’. The Principal will lead across the school community to develop and shape a shared vision for Catholic education ‘focused on providing pastoral care at its heart, influenced through leadership that nurtures an optimal learning environment; and promotes authentic family and school partnerships.’ The Principal has responsibility for supporting and monitoring the learning and growth of committed teachers and setting high standards for students and staff performance, enabling students to achieve the fullness of life.

Work Requirements:

• Compliance with Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead as prescribed by the Bishops of NSW.
• Hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check.
• A current/valid Australian Driver’s License and eligibility to work within Australia for the period of the appointment.
• A National Police Check, or ability to obtain one if the successful candidate.
• Current NESA accreditation.
• Requirement to travel between locations.

Qualifications: 

• Tertiary qualifications in Education with postgraduate qualifications at Masters level in Education Leadership (including four units of Religious Education, or postgraduate studies in Theology or Religious Education).

Work Experience:

• Recent experience as a senior leader in a school.

Key Capabilities: 

• Demonstrated high levels of organisation, communication, negotiation, collaboration with all in the school’s community.
• Proven experience in leading initiatives that focus on improving learning, engagement and wellbeing outcomes for all students in a student-centred learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to create, maintain and support high-quality inclusive, supportive and safe learning environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of research into teaching, learning and child development and how to apply such research to the needs of the students in the school. This includes the management of performance in the school and strategies to improve practice.
• Proven ability to apply knowledge and understanding of leadership, and management concepts and practice, to deliver with others effective strategic leadership and operational management.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Catholic education in Australia and demonstrated capacity to implement the Mission of the Church for Catholic Education.
• Demonstrated ability to support school communities to be formed in the Mission of Jesus Christ.
• Working knowledge of WHS and equity with a demonstrated capacity to apply related principles and policies.
• Respect for the teachings of the Catholic Church and by conduct and lifestyle, ability to give witness to the Church’s mission.

Your cover letter should address the key capabilities listed above.

Shortlisted candidates who have been invited to interview will be required to complete an online psychometric assessment as part of the recruitment process. Referee reports are also required from shortlisted candidates. Please refer to the Referee Instructions and templates below for additional information.

Additional information:

• Position Description – Principal
• Referee Instructions
• Referee Report - Parish Priest, Administrator
  
• Referee Report - Professional
• Click this link for information on our Diocese and the School.

Enquiries: recruitment@lism.catholic.edu.au

Applications close: 9am, Monday 19 May 2025

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited is committed to creating Child Safe Schools.

Child Protection legislation requires preferred applicants to be subject to employment screening.

An equal opportunity employer.