Principal

Notre Dame College, Shepparton

Lead with Purpose

This is one of the most significant leadership opportunities in Catholic secondary education in regional Victoria. Notre Dame College is a school with a proud history, a deeply connected community, and nearly 1,700 students. We are looking for a leader who is ready to step into a role that matters and make it their own.

As the largest Catholic secondary school in the Sandhurst Diocese, Notre Dame College sits at the centre of Shepparton's educational and community life. This is a school that people are proud to belong to and the incoming Principal will have the opportunity to shape that pride for years to come.

This position is recruited in partnership between Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd and Aspire2.

Notre Dame College

Drawing on the Marist and Mercy traditions, Notre Dame College was formed in 1984 through the amalgamation of two proud schools, St Colman's College and Sacred Heart College, with roots in Catholic education in the Goulburn Valley stretching back to 1902. Built on faith and grounded in community, the College strives to develop the full potential of each student within a just and caring Catholic community, growing high achieving, globally connected young people who respond as good citizens and people of faith.

The College operates across two outstanding campuses. The Knight Street Campus in the heart of Shepparton caters for Years 7, 8, and 10 to 12, with exceptional facilities including purpose-built science, hospitality, technology, and performing arts centres, alongside a chapel and stadium. The Emmaus Campus provides Year 9 students with a distinctive applied learning experience set across 48 acres, 8kms north of Shepparton.

Notre Dame is situated on Yorta Yorta Country and holds a commitment to First Nations students and community. Shepparton is a multicultural, community-minded city just over two hours from Melbourne. A place where a leader can make a meaningful difference.

The school's motto, “To Seek, To See, To Respond”, reflects the spirit of an institution that has always looked outward, cared deeply, and acted with purpose.

The Role

As Principal, you are the faith leader, the strategic leader, and the human centre of Notre Dame College. You will lead a passionate team of educators and support staff, collaborate closely with parish and community partners, and champion the school's mission of inclusive, high-quality Catholic education.

You will play a vital role in bringing the vision of Catholic Education Sandhurst to life, working alongside a diocesan network of school leaders and supported by Magnify Sandhurst - CESL's comprehensive, evidence-informed school improvement initiative encompassing the science of learning, instructional coaching, wellbeing frameworks, and positive classroom practice.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing, modelling, and promoting the Catholic ethos and identity of the school in daily life
Building and sustaining a culture of high expectations, belonging, and wellbeing for students and staff
Leading the quality of learning and teaching through evidence-informed practice and professional development
Establishing clear, consistent standards and ensuring they are upheld across the school community
Managing school operations, resources, and governance with integrity and accountability
Cultivating strong relationships with students, staff, families, the parish, and the wider Shepparton community
Working collaboratively within the CESL system while championing the distinctive needs and character of Notre Dame

What We're Looking For

The incoming Principal will be a visible and relational leader, one who understands that in a school of this size and significance, presence and consistency, as much as strategy is important.

They will bring warmth and high expectations in equal measure, communicate with clarity and integrity, and demonstrate the confidence to make principled decisions in the best interests of the community.

The ideal candidate will also bring a lived Catholic faith and a deep understanding of what it means to be the faith leader of a school.

You will bring:

A lived Catholic faith and commitment to Catholic education as a vocation
A minimum of 5 years substantial educational leadership experience in a secondary school context
Proven ability to build trust and positive partnerships across a diverse school community
A clear and compelling vision for what leadership in a Catholic school means
The presence and confidence to be highly visible across the school and the broader community
Excellent communication skills
A commitment to high expectations for students and staff alike

Essential Qualifications

Tertiary qualifications in Education
Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Registration (Ability to gain VIT)
Accreditation to Teach in a Catholic School, or Accreditation to Lead in a Catholic School (or evidence of a compliant application to gain full accreditation)
Post Graduate qualification in Theology, Leadership, or a related field
Active membership of a Catholic faith community
Valid Working with Children Check and demonstrated commitment to Child Safe Standards

Why Notre Dame College

This is a significant leadership role in one of regional Victoria's most established Catholic secondary schools. Nearly 1,700 students, two campuses, outstanding facilities, and a community that has a genuine and long-standing commitment to Catholic education.

Catholic Education Sandhurst offers strong system support, professional development through Magnify Sandhurst, and a network of school leaders across Central and North East Victoria. Shepparton is a growing regional city with quality infrastructure, a diverse and connected community, and convenient access to Melbourne.

How to Apply

Applications are managed by Aspire2 on behalf of Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd. We warmly encourage candidates to apply.

To apply and access further information about the role, the region, and the diocese, please visit https://aspire2edu.com.au/notre_dame_college/

Your application should include:

A cover letter addressing your motivation for this role and what you would bring to Notre Dame College

A statement addressing the Key Selection Criteria (1500 word maximum)

Your current curriculum vitae

Contact details for three professional referees

For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Yvette Windsor or Matt Linn (Aspire2) on 08 8377 7555 or aspire2@switchedu.com.au.

Applications close: 5pm Wednesday 22 July 2026

CESL is committed to child safety and equal opportunity. All applicants will be subject to thorough pre-employment screening including reference and background checks. Notre Dame College is an equal opportunity employer.

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