Principal in Melbourne

Stella Maris School, Beaumaris is seeking a Principal who is an educational leader who inspires excellence, 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 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. 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.

Stella Maris School, established in 1956, is a welcoming and inclusive learning community where every child is encouraged to learn, grow and belong. Guided by its vision of Potential, Learning, Energy, Faith and Courage, the school nurtures students spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally within a strong Catholic environment. The school delivers a comprehensive, evidence-informed curriculum with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy through explicit teaching, differentiated learning and high expectations for all students. Specialist programs in Italian, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education and STEM further enrich learning opportunities.

The school offers contemporary learning environments, including the purpose-built Bunjil Building for Foundation to Year 2 students and dedicated learning spaces for Years 3 to 6. Recent facility upgrades have enhanced the school's modern and supportive environment. Students enjoy extensive outdoor spaces, including adventure playgrounds, a basketball court, sporting fields and an Indigenous garden, providing opportunities for active play, creativity and wellbeing. Through its motto, Courage Always, Stella Maris empowers students to become confident, resilient and compassionate learners who are prepared to make a positive contribution to their community.

Stella Maris is proud of its strong sense of community, built on meaningful partnerships between students, families, staff and the Catholic Parish of Nazareth, Ricketts Point. The school values open communication, collaboration and shared responsibility in supporting student learning and wellbeing. Parents are encouraged to play an active role in school life, contributing to a welcoming and connected community culture. The Parents and Friends Association strengthens community engagement through events and initiatives that bring families together and support school programs.

The Principal leads a student cohort of 120. MACS is seeking a Principal who will continue to nurture the strong relationships and actively engage with the community. 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, 9 November 2026