Catholic School 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. 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.

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

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.

St Gerard’s school, Dandenong North was established in 1957 and is located in Melbourne’s southeast, approximately 35 kilometres from the CBD within the culturally diverse City of Greater Dandenong. The Principal leads a student cohort of approximately 121 students from 103 families across Prep to Year 6 and reflects the rich diversity of its local community, with approximately 45 nationalities and 21 languages represented. The multicultural nature of the school creates a vibrant and inclusive environment where respect, understanding and appreciation of different cultures are actively fostered and celebrated.

Central to school life are the Give Me 5 principles: Be Spirit Filled, Be Respectful, Be Cooperative, Be Positive and Be Your Best. These values guide all aspects of learning and relationships, creating a positive, faith‑filled culture where students are supported and inspired to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. St Gerard’s offers modern, flexible learning spaces that support contemporary teaching practices and provide diverse opportunities for student learning. Extensive outdoor areas further enhance the school environment, encouraging physical activity, collaboration and the development of positive relationships.

St Gerard’s Catholic Parish Primary School is a welcoming and multicultural community where families from diverse backgrounds are valued and supported. Catholic faith and tradition are central to school life, fostering strong values, compassion and a commitment to service. Through Religious Education and a contemporary inquiry‑based curriculum, students are encouraged to deepen their faith, respect others and contribute positively to their communities. Working in partnership with families, St Gerard’s nurtures confident, resilient and compassionate learners equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to thrive in an ever‑changing world. The school’s culturally diverse environment promotes inclusion, respect and global citizenship, creating a strong sense of belonging.

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 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.

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1 2027

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 26 October 2026