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Catholic Education Northern Territory is a community of 18 Catholic schools across the Northern Territory, inspired by Catholic ethos and committed to educational excellence, equity, and nurturing.
The School
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamurrurr Catholic College (OLSHTCC) is the sole provider of compulsory education in the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye, 400 km south-west of Darwin. With enrolments of 450–550 students from Preschool to Year 12, OLSHT is a bilingual and bicultural school, integrating Thamarrurr culture and the Murrinhpatha language across all aspects of learning.
The Position
The
Principal leads OLSHTCC, guiding a diverse and dynamic school community in partnership with families, local groups, and community leaders. As part of the School Leadership Team, the Principal provides strategic and operational leadership across Catholic Identity, Teaching and Learning, Pastoral Care, Community and Culture, and the effective management of resources. This role is an opportunity to make a lasting impact through educational excellence, cultural respect, and faith-based leadership.
The appointment is to an ongoing, full-time position under a four-year contract, commencing 13 January 2026.
Key Responsibilities
As Principal, you will:
- Provide faith-based leadership, ensuring Catholic identity and values are visible in all aspects of school life.
- Lead high-quality teaching and learning that meets the needs of a diverse student community.
- Build strong relationships with families, community leaders, and stakeholders to foster collaboration.
- Drive continuous school improvement through effective planning, innovation, and evidence-based practice.
- Oversee the wellbeing, development, and performance of staff and students.
- Ensure sound management of resources, finances, and compliance with relevant policies and legislation.
Full details are outlined in the
position description within the Application Package.
About You
We are looking for a Principal who:
- Lives and breathes Catholic values and is an active member of a Eucharistic community (applications from other faiths deeply committed to their values are welcome).
- Brings proven experience in educational leadership, with a track record of improving student outcomes.
- Demonstrates the ability to inspire, develop, and support staff through strong pastoral care and formation.
- Communicates effectively, with high-level organisational and administrative skills.
- Has experience working in cross-cultural or diverse community contexts.
- Meets all relevant qualifications, including eligibility for NT teacher registration and Accreditation in Catholic Leadership.
This position will involve working with children. The appointment of the successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory employment screening for child related employment in accordance with legislation.
Why work for Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamurrurr Catholic College?
- Competitive Salary remuneration package up to $259,402
- Salary package up to $201,149 + $27,793 super, with additional benefits of $27,762
- Benefits Package of $27,762 (included in the remuneration package)
- Salary Sacrificing options up to $15,900
- Relocation Assistance up to $7,000
- Remote school incentives, including furnished housing, storage allowance, power and water contribution, and incentive payments.
- Generous leave entitlements to support work–life balance.
- Funded annual professional development opportunities.
- Discounted tuition for children attending Catholic schools
Living in Wadeye offers a unique opportunity to experience and learn from the rich culture, language, and traditions of the Thamarrurr community while making a meaningful contribution to the lives of young people
School Website:
https://www.olshtnt.catholic.edu.au/
How To Apply
Click the link below to
download the application package.
To apply, submit your resume and cover letter, addressing the essential criteria in the
Position Description.
Three references using the confidential referee form must be emailed by referees (including 1 religious referee) to CEORecruitment@nt.catholic.edu.au?subject=Principal%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow">
CEORecruitment@nt.catholic.edu.au.
For external applicants:
https://cent.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CENT/Public/Function/%24ORG.REC.EXAPN.WIZ/RECRUITMENT?suite=CES&token=4680e5d4-53d0-494c-8608-a82cdc16ab10
For CENT employees:
https://cent.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CENT/RedirectToFunction?token=4e026aac-c401-42e9-bced-bf34da2803a7&f=%24ORG.REC.MYAPN.WIZ&suite=CES
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
Applications close: 5 November 2025
The Catholic Education Office reserves the right to close this advertisement early or extend it beyond the closing date.
If you require more information, please contact Recruitment on
(08) 8984 1400.
