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 - St Joseph's Primary School, Kempsey

Tenure: Full-time position, 5-year renewable contract.

Start Date: Commencing January 2027, or in negotiation with the successful candidate.

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Overview of School

St Joseph’s Primary School, Kempsey is located in the beautiful Macleay Valley, on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Our focus is to ensure that all students learn in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, where their academic success, spirituality and social & emotional wellbeing is always the focus.

St Joseph’s plays a vital role in laying the foundation for your child’s lifelong learning, ensuring that each student develops into a happy, resilient and successful person, with realistic and achievable goals, and strong morals and values. Through our close relationship with St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College we have a strong commitment to providing our students with an exceptional Kindergarten to Year 12 experience of Catholic Education in the Macleay Valley. We believe together, in partnership, we can nurture, support and guide your child to have the best start in their educational journey.

Further information on our school can be found on our website.

Position Overview

As the faith leader, the Catholic School Principal witness’s faith in action, leading the school community to enact a shared vision that focuses on the provision of a high-quality Catholic education for all students.

The role of Principal supports the underlying Mission of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Lismore by delivering services that contribute to enabling students to achieve the fullness of life.

The Rewards

Annual Salary: Foundation Level $197,619 per annum - Accomplished Level $208,020 per annum plus superannuation.
Retention Benefits: Your choice of a work motor vehicle or a $20,000 annual allowance plus salary packaging options to maximise your salary.
Relocation Support: Comprehensive relocation assistance plus reimbursement for on-site interview travel and accommodation.
Health & Growth: Fitness Passport (discounted gym/aquatic), EAP services and opportunities for professional learning in leadership.

Work Requirements

Compliance with Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead as prescribed by the Bishops of NSW.
Hold a valid/paid 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 cleared National Police Check.
Current NESA accreditation.
Requirement to travel between locations (as required).

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.

To Apply

Please submit an online application via our website, which includes a resume and cover letter tailored to the key capabilities listed in the Position Description.

Additional information

Click this link for information on our Diocese and the School.
Relocating to the region? Check out The Welcome Experience by NSW Government.
This position is open to suitably qualified and experienced applicants who are practicing Catholics with an understanding of, and commitment to, the mission and values of Catholic education.
Preferred candidates may be required to undertake pre-employment checks, such as references and/or psychometric testing.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies for this position and will not be liable for any associated fees.

Enquiries: recruitment@lism.catholic.edu.au

Applications close: 3pm, Monday 3 August 2026

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.

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