Principal 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.

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. 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 Mary’s School, Hastings, was established in 1919 and has proudly served the local community for more than a hundred years. The school provides a welcoming and inclusive Catholic learning environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Guided by the values of Faith, Hope, and Love, St Mary’s vision is to be a dynamic Catholic learning community where the dignity of every person is honoured and embraced.

The school fosters creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning while maintaining a strong commitment to wellbeing, safety, and excellence. Inspired by the example of Mary and animated by the Holy Spirit, St Mary’s prepares students to become compassionate, resilient, and values-driven individuals who strive for justice and the common good.

St Mary’s School is a faith-filled and connected community that values strong partnerships between students, families, staff, parish, and the wider Hastings community. The school works closely with parents as their child’s first educators, recognising that learning flourishes through collaboration and shared responsibility. The community is committed to nurturing each child’s wellbeing, celebrating individual strengths, and creating opportunities for all learners to thrive in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.

The Principal leads a student cohort of 126. MACS is seeking a Principal who will continue to nurture the strong relationships and actively engage with the community.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Evidence of strong faith leadership through being an active member in good standing of a Catholic Church community, including Sunday attendance.
• Demonstrated ability in instructional leadership, including determining and implementing evidence-based learning and teaching programs and school curriculum.
• Evidence of unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all.
• Displays a strong commitment to enrolment growth, financial stability, and risk mitigation whilst effectively managing resources.
• 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.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills to enable team growth and development, championing innovation and improvement.

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.

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1 2027

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 9 November 2026

Please feel free to submit your application ahead of the closing date as applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period.