Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited
Catholic education in the Diocese of Lismore is a long standing provider of school education on the north coast of New South Wales. 45 Catholic primary and secondary schools, operate in all major urban centres and many smaller towns from Tweed Heads to Laurieton. All Catholic schools seek to provide a comprehensive, quality education in a welcoming and secure environment.
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PRINCIPAL - Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, South Lismore
Full-time position, 5-year renewable contract
Commencing 28 January 2026, or in negotiation with the successful candidate
Relocation assistance available. Work motor vehicle provided.
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Overview of School:
Our Lady Help of Christians School, South Lismore is an Early Stage 1 to Year 6 Catholic co-educational primary school which is an apostolic work of the parish community of South Lismore. The school is actively promoted as a Catholic community, and is committed to providing a contemporary Catholic schooling for the 21st century. Our faith and prayer life is strong. The school's motto 'Unity, Friendship, Success' is integral to all aspects of school life.
Students engage in a literacy and numeracy block each day and the school is well resourced in all Key Learning Areas. Students from Years 3 to 6 engage in special classes in art, dance, drama and music each week. The school participates in many community events such as the local Eisteddfod and the North Coast National Show. A unique feature of the school is its high engagement with ICT. The school is currently involved in an ICT pilot program addressing pedagogy and the use of ICT in the classroom. This innovative program involves the school, the Catholic Education Office and Southern Cross University as joint partners. The school has a one to one laptop program in Year 5 and Year 6 and banks of mobile computers which support ICT in all other years.
Parents are welcomed into the school community and are encouraged to participate in their child's educational journey in meaningful ways. We have dedicated professional staff who are committed to providing a quality education for all students. The school has an excellent reputation in the local community and takes an interest in supporting community events. The school delivers programs that provide our students with the tools to communicate and to help them to become lifelong learners. Further information can be obtained from the school's website.
Overview of Role:
The Catholic School Principal serves as a Christ centered leader who models the ‘Fullness of Life’ framework, “A framework to support our students in Christ to learn well and live well’. The Principal will lead across the school community to develop and shape a shared vision for Catholic education ‘focused on providing pastoral care at its heart, influenced through leadership that nurtures an optimal learning environment; and promotes authentic family and school partnerships.’ The Principal has responsibility for supporting and monitoring the learning and growth of committed teachers and setting high standards for students and staff performance, enabling students to achieve the fullness of life.
Work Requirements:
- Compliance with Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead as prescribed by the Bishops of NSW, or working towards accreditation at the appropriate level upon commencement.
- Hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check.
- A current/valid Australian Driver’s License and eligibility to work within Australia for the period of the appointment.
- A National Police Check, or ability to obtain one if the successful candidate.
- Current NESA accreditation.
- Requirement to travel between locations.
Qualifications:
- Tertiary qualifications in Education with postgraduate qualifications at Masters level in Education Leadership (including four units of Religious Education or postgraduate studies in Theology or Religious Education).
Work Experience:
- Recent experience as a senior leader in a school.
Key Capabilities:
- Demonstrated high levels of organisation, communication, negotiation, collaboration with all in the school’s community.
- Proven experience in leading initiatives that focus on improving learning, engagement and wellbeing outcomes for all students in a student-centred learning environment.
- Demonstrated ability to create, maintain and support high-quality inclusive, supportive and safe learning environments.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of research into teaching, learning and child development and how to apply such research to the needs of the students in the school. This includes the management of performance in the school and strategies to improve practice.
- Proven ability to apply knowledge and understanding of leadership, and management concepts and practice, to deliver with others effective strategic leadership and operational management.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of Catholic education in Australia and demonstrated capacity to implement the Mission of the Church for Catholic Education.
- Demonstrated ability to support school communities to be formed in the Mission of Jesus Christ.
- Working knowledge of WHS and equity with a demonstrated capacity to apply related principles and policies.
- Respect for the teachings of the Catholic Church and by conduct and lifestyle, ability to give witness to the Church’s mission.
Your cover letter should address the key capabilities listed above.
Shortlisted candidates who have been invited to interview will be required to complete online psychometric assessments as part of the recruitment process. Referee reports are also required from shortlisted candidates. Please see the Referee Instructions and templates below for further information.
Additional information:
Enquiries: recruitment@lism.catholic.edu.au
Applications close: 9am, Monday, 7 July 2025
Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited is committed to creating Child Safe Schools.
Child Protection legislation requires preferred applicants to be subject to employment screening.
An equal opportunity employer.
