Deputy Principal (Primary) in Wadeye

Contract Type: Permanent/Ongoing Position Full Time

Applications Close: 17 November 2026

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College seeks a Deputy Principal (Primary) to provide strategic, operational, and faith-based leadership in Wadeye, NT. Full-time role offering competitive salary, relocation, furnished housing, and vehicle.

At Catholic Education Northern Territory, we're more than a network of schools. We're a community inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, committed to educational excellence, equity, and fullness of life for all.

The School:

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College (OLSHT) is the sole provider of compulsory education in the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye, 430 km south-west of Darwin. With enrolments of 450-550 students from Preschool to Year 12, OLSHT is a bilingual and bicultural school, integrating Thamarrurr culture and the Murrinhpatha language across all aspects of learning.

The Position:

The Deputy Principal (Primary) is a key member of the school leadership team, working closely with the Principal to provide strategic and operational leadership across Catholic Identity, Teaching and Learning, Pastoral Care and Wellbeing, Community and Culture, and the effective management of resources. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead with faith and vision, making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.

Why work for Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College?

• Competitive salary of $171,233.18 + Super
• Relocation assistance of up to $4,500.
• Salary sacrificing options up to $15,900.
• Allocation of a school vehicle - new ute
• Additional remote school benefits, including furnished housing, storage allowance, power and water contribution, and incentive payments.
• Generous leave entitlements in line with the CENT Enterprise Agreement.
• Funded annual professional development opportunities.
• Discounted tuition for children attending Catholic schools.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program.

Living in Wadeye offers a unique opportunity to experience and learn from the rich culture, language, and traditions of the Thamarrurr community while making a meaningful contribution through education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide faith-based leadership that ensures Catholic values are embedded in all aspects of school life.
• Lead teaching and learning across the Primary years, ensuring high standards of pedagogy and student outcomes.
• Support the Principal in driving school improvement, innovation, and cultural engagement.
• Build strong partnerships with families, staff, and the wider community.
• Oversee pastoral care and wellbeing initiatives for students and staff.
• Manage resources and operations in line with CENT policies and frameworks.

Full details are outlined in the position description within the Application Package

We are looking for a Deputy Principal who:

• Is committed to catholic education and is a member of a Eucharistic community.
• Has strong Catholic leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to embed faith and values across school life.
• Holds postgraduate qualifications (or is undertaking studies) in Religious Education, Theology, or Educational Leadership.
• Is an experienced school leader with proven capacity to drive teaching, learning, and school improvement.
• Demonstrates strong pastoral care and staff development skills.
• Communicates effectively and has high-level organisational and administrative ability.
• Is eligible for NT teacher registration and holds (or can obtain) a Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).

This position will involve working with children. The appointment of the successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory employment screening for child-related employment in accordance with legislation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

The Catholic Education Office reserves the right to close this advertisement early or extend it beyond the closing date.

• Affiliation: Catholic
• Teaching Level: Combined
• Gender: Coed

• 627 Students
• 36 TeachingStaff
• 83 Non-Teaching Staff

Offers VET

OLSH Thamarrurr Catholic College is located in the Aboriginal community of Wadeye, approx. 420km south west of Darwin. It is a bilingual school (Murrinhpatha and English) that employs a high number of local Aboriginal staff as teachers, assistant teachers and support staff. The school operates a Family as First Teachers (FaFT) program, preschool, primary and secondary school. Wadeye although remote has regular flights to and from Darwin, and has several community services within the town.

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