Principal

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. This plan will help all MACS staff come together to maximise the impact of a Catholic education in our classrooms, staffrooms, and school communities.

The MACS Code of Conduct embodies our commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises health, safety, and wellbeing, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the expected behaviours.

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. 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.

ABOUT OUR LADY OF THE WAY CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, WALLAN EAST

Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School, Wallan East is part of the Catholic Parish of St Patrick's Kilmore, catering for a diverse community of students. The school is situated in the growth area of the northern outskirts of Melbourne and has grown from an initial enrolment of 63 in 2018 to over 700 in 2025.

The school is committed to the highest academic expectations based on data and evidence promoting growth and success for every student. Staff promote achievement of high academic standards and encourage all students to be the drivers in their learning journey to become active citizens committed to making a difference within the world around them. Staff work collaboratively to support each child's academic, social, and spiritual development, preparing them to be confident and compassionate contributors to the world.

A strong understanding of current educational practices and MACS directions is essential.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

At Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School, identity is inspired by Mary as the First Disciple and guided by the life of Jesus Christ. Staff, students, and parents work together to promote a positive educational experience, where learning and wellbeing are deeply connected, and respect and inclusion are essential to creating a flourishing environment for all.

The community continually seeks opportunities to support all families and students through their primary school education in a positive and connected environment that celebrates diversity, differences, and faith. The Principal leads a team of approximately 80 staff and a student cohort of 710.

MACS is seeking a Principal who will build on the school’s strengths, engage wholeheartedly with the community, and lead with vision and faith, guiding the school through its next phase of growth, including upcoming infrastructure projects.

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 programs 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.

All applicants are required to submit a copy or record of:

• Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Registration (including current criminal history check) or current Digital VIT Registration Card.
• Certified evidence of academic qualifications - inclusive of tertiary qualifications, academic qualifications additional to initial teacher education (Master's degree or five-year equivalent) 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. 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, 26 October 2026