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 - MacKillop College, Port Macquarie
Full time position, 5-year renewable contract commencing 28 January 2026
Relocation assistance available. Work motor vehicle provided.
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Overview of College:
MacKillop College, Port Macquarie, has at its heart, a mission to 'enable every student to achieve the fullness of life'. The College aims to promote an attitude of excellence among staff and students and to provide students with an education in the Catholic tradition in a caring, supportive and disciplined environment. The college motto is Summa Tentabo, Strive for Excellence and all members of the community aim to live this out in their daily lives.
Our Catholic faith and traditions are important, practised regularly and central to the existence of the school. The Year 7 to 10 curriculum includes a wide range of academic, technical and creative subjects designed to cater for students with a diverse range of interests and abilities. Enrichment, extension and special education programs provide students with opportunities to excel. The Year 11 and 12 curriculum offered at MacKillop College has an academic focus designed mainly for students wishing to pursue further tertiary studies and the College is highly recognised as a leader in academic excellence and enrichment.
The teaching and support staff are determined to provide a quality education for every individual. All students study Religious Education and participate in the Christian Service and Outreach Program. The school enjoys extensive sporting facilities and has established a strong tradition of sporting excellence. An extensive range of co-curricular activities is available to ensure that students have the opportunity to develop holistically and explore their creative and cultural interests. Music tuition is available for students wishing to learn a wide range of instruments and there are bands and ensembles for beginners, intermediate and advanced musicians. Other co-curricular activities include dance, retreats, public speaking, debating, Duke of Edinburgh program, Tournament of Minds and mock trial. The school encourages active involvement in the local community; staff and students have an obvious and impressive presence in supporting local initiatives and events. For further information, please see the College'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 criteria above.
Shortlisted candidates who have been invited to interview will be required to complete an online psychometric assessment 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 11 August 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.
