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.
__________________________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL - Mary Help of Christians Primary School, Sawtell
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.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Overview of School:
Mary Help of Christians Sawtell is an Early Stage 1 to Year 6 co-educational primary school established in 1980. The school supports the Sawtell Catholic Parish by providing children with a solid foundation in Religious Education and assisting families to nurture a strong faith life and Christian values for their children.
The school community share the vision of graduates who will contribute meaningfully to the modern world and participate happily and responsibly as global citizens. The school promotes a learning culture where staff and students are encouraged to recognise the value of life-long learnring and as such, teachers are continually engaged in professional learning so that students may have a rich and stimulating experience of the curriculum. The school has a culture of collaboration, with teachers engaged in Professional Learning Teams (PLT’s) to plan for and address the needs of their students. Our learning spaces allow for a personalised approach to learning.
We believe all children can learn and therefore have high expectations of all learners. We encourage the use of technology as a learning tool, and educate for responsible digital citizenship. Mary Help of Christians has developed whole-school literacy and numeracy plans and agreed practices for school improvement. A Leader of Pedagogy and Leader of Curriculum position have been created to support implementation of best practice in the classroom. A key feature of Mary Help of Christians is its school parliament program, which allows students to develop their leadership skills and participate in school decision making. The school is well-regarded in the local community for its dedicated and caring staff and its reputation for child-centred learning practices. Further information about the school 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 14 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.
