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 - Xavier Catholic College, Ballina
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:
Xavier Catholic College, Ballina, is a Catholic secondary college. Faith development in the Catholic tradition is central to the existence of Xavier. The College boasts a strong Catholic culture with a vibrant prayer life. It is essential that every student takes a positive and active role in religious education and the faith life of the school.
The College has established itself as an important part of the education landscape of the Northern Rivers area. Xavier Catholic College is truly a college of the 21st Century with state of the art technology and infrastructure. The College offers vocational courses with students engaged in traineeships and school based apprenticeships as well as the full range of academic subjects offered in the Higher School Certificate. Xavier performs strongly in HSC results and often ranks first in the region.
The school offers a strong sporting and cultural program that includes the opportunity to participate in music, the school band, the debating club and the popular drama group. The school enjoys a good reputation in the local community and we take an interest in supporting community events. Further information can be obtained from the school 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 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, 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.
