Principal in Melbourne

St Mary's School, Hastings is seeking a Principal who is an educational leader who inspires excellence and leads with strong faith and integrity.

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 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 program 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.
• Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Registration or current Digital VIT Registration Card.
• Certified evidence of academic qualifications – inclusive of tertiary qualifications and accreditation to teach and/or lead Religious Education in a Catholic School.
• Current resume.
• Document addressing the Key Selection Criteria limited to four to five pages.
• The names and contact details of three referees including the Catholic Priest of the parish you regularly attend on a Sunday.
• 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 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.