Principal – Dandenong North in Melbourne

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, operating approximately 300 Catholic schools, employing over 17,000 staff and serving 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 strategic plan - MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.

The MACS Code of Conduct 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.

YOUR ROLE

As a Principal, you will 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.

St Elizabeth's School, Dandenong North is a dynamic and inclusive learning community committed to supporting every student to grow and realise their potential. Explicit teaching, supported by contemporary pedagogy and learning practices, provides rich and engaging learning experiences that foster academic excellence and the development of the whole child. Wellbeing is central to the school’s approach, with each child recognised for their unique strengths, needs and learning preferences. Dedicated staff support students to become confident, independent and resilient learners and to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute positively to the world around them.

ABOUT ST ELIZABETH’S SCHOOL, DANDENONG NORTH

St Elizabeth’s School is a welcoming and faith-filled community that values strong relationships between students, families, staff and the parish. St Elizabeth’s students are truly at the heart of all school actions and decisions, and in partnership with families, each child’s primary school journey is nurtured. Families are welcomed and invited to be part of all that St Elizabeth’s School offers – connection, belonging and community. Catholic faith and Gospel values are actively lived through the relationships, behaviours and actions of the school community. Students are provided with meaningful opportunities for prayer, liturgy, meditation and celebration, supporting them to deepen their faith and connection to the Catholic tradition. Religious Education is delivered through an engaging inquiry-based approach that connects faith with real-world experiences and supports students to understand and live as good people in the faith tradition. The Principal leads a student cohort of 245.

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.

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 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”.

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1 2027

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 19 October 2026