Role Description/CriteriaAt Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 17,000 staff and serve more than 118,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan - MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the Worldthat will help all MACS staff come together to make the most of what a Catholic education has to offer so that we have the greatest and most distinctive impact in our classrooms, staffrooms and schools communities. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here. St Joseph’s School in Chelsea is seeking a Principal who is an educational leader who inspires excellence, leads with strong faith and integrity.YOUR ROLEAs a Principal, you will be inspired to lead a joy-filled community where students, staff, and families can flourish within a Catholic context. Your leadership will enable the vision of the school to be realised, creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. The role of the Principal is one of the most important roles across the MACS system, as their faith and educational leadership enables the vision of the school to be realised. This role will work in collaboration with MACS, staff members, local Parish Priest, and the broader School community to achieve the identified goals of the School. ABOUT ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL, CHELSEASt Joseph’s School celebrates 100 years of providing high quality, faith-based education to the families of Chelsea. St Joseph’s School motto of “Always Faithful” reflects the gospel values of respect and building relationships that nurture and care for others. St Joseph’s enjoys a strong reputation and is known for providing students with excellent opportunities in learning and in wellbeing, in an environment where all can flourish and grow. Students are supported by staff to grow educationally and spiritually and to be hopeful for the future, by being active in a global world.Staff are committed to creating nurturing educational opportunities designed to assist a diverse range of learning styles and to help students set their own personal and spiritual learning goals. The spiritual, social, and physical wellbeing of all students is considered at St Joseph’s School to be pivotal to the continued growth of the whole person. A strong instructional leader with an understanding of current evidence based educational practices and MACS directions is essential.ABOUT THE COMMUNITYSt Joseph’s School is a welcoming community where students, staff and families experience a sense of belonging and connection. Staff build positive and strong partnerships with the parents and the wider community .The school community partners with teachers to extend learning outside of the classroom and to encourage students to make connections between their learning and the wider community. At St Joseph’s, students are empowered to take responsibility for their learning, growth, and goal-setting journey.St Joseph’s School, Chelsea has a current enrolment of 312 students.MACS is seeking a Principal who will build on the school’s strengths, engage wholeheartedly with the community, and lead with vision and faith, guiding the school through its next phase of growth, including upcoming infrastructure projects. Enrolment numbers are correct at the time of publication. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
- Evidence of strong faith leadership through being an active member in good standing of a Catholic Church community, including Sunday attendance, whilst being informed by the Church's teaching and local mission.
- Demonstrated ability in instructional leadership, including determining and implementing evidence-based learning and teaching program and school curriculum.
- Evidence of unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all, including all MACS employees, students, parish, broader church, educational system, other schools, and educational authorities in line with current community safety standards and expectations.
- Displays a strong commitment to enrolment growth, financial stability, and a commitment to risk mitigation whilst effectively managing resources within a regularly monitored, evidence-based strategic plan.
- Demonstrated understanding and enactment of the legislative and systemic compliance requirements applicable to all Catholic schools.
- Shows attributes of justice and compassion in setting high standards for self and others in the leadership of pastoral care and the provision of an engaging education that provides multiple pathways and options for positive outcomes for young people.
- Strong coaching and leadership skills to enable team growth and development, championing innovation and improvement to support continuous learning.
HOW TO APPLYPlease refer to the position description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria.Click APPLY to submit your application.If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our team by email principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.auAll applicants are required to submit a copy of:
- Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching registration (including current criminal history check)
- Certified evidence of academic qualifications – inclusive of tertiary qualifications, academic qualifications additional to initial teacher education (Master’s degree or five-year equivalent) and accreditation to teach Religious Education in a Catholic School.
- Current resume
- Cover letter
- Document addressing the key selection criteria limited to four to five pages.
- The names and contact details of three referees including the Catholic Priest of the Parish you attend. These referees will be required to make relevant verbal responses regarding the applicant’s capacity to meet the specific local selection criteria.
- Certified statements of service from current and previous employers are required from applicants who are currently not employed in Victorian Catholic education.
Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire, and maintain a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and/or Working with Children Check, and must be willing to obtain and maintain a national criminal history check.Candidates must hold full Australian working rights, and provide evidence of this.All successful candidates will be required to complete a “Schools Fit and Proper Personal Declaration”Privacy Collection Notice – Job ApplicantsMACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your Personal information, you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS. Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment processFor further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice hereCOMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1 2026 or by negotiation.APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday 22 September 2025Application Procedureshttps://cem.elmotalent.com.au/careers/careers/job/view/1326
