Principal - Sacred Heart, Preston

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) (see more jobs from this school)

East Melbourne, VIC 


Principal / Head of School

Contract Type: Contract Position Full Time

Applications Close: 8 September 2025


Sacred Heart School, Preston is seeking a Principal who is an educational leader who inspires excellence, leads with strong faith and integrity.

<p>At 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 recently launched strategic plan: <i>MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World</i>.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan - <i><strong>MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World</strong></i> that 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 <a href="https://www.macs.vic.edu.au/About-Us/our-strategy.aspx" rel="nofollow">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand <a href="https://www.macs.vic.edu.au/MelbourneArchdioceseCatholicSchools/media/About-Us/Policies/conduct/Code-of-Conduct-for-MACS-Staff-Booklet.pdf" rel="nofollow">the Code</a> and model the behaviours that are expected of us.</p> <p><strong>YOUR ROLE</strong></p> <p>As 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.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>ABOUT SACRED HEART, PRESTON</strong></p> <p>The Sacred Heart Primary School community is reflective of the vibrant and colourful diversity of the Darebin municipality, and suburb of Preston, from which the school draws its students.</p> <p>Sacred Heart Primary School was established in 1905 and has occupied its present site on Bell Street, since 1914. Until 1991, when the first lay Principal was appointed, a Catholic primary education at Sacred Heart was under the stewardship of the Good Samaritan order of sisters. Today, the school services the primary education needs of the parish of Sacred Heart.</p> <p><strong>ABOUT THE COMMUNITY</strong></p> <p>Our students bring a wealth of diverse heritages to our school family. A diversity of heritages and mix of faith backgrounds, creates a culture of understanding, acceptance and celebration of our multiplicity.</p> <p>Whilst the school privileges its Catholic identity, we recognize that our students of faith backgrounds other than Catholic, can enlighten us in our combined faith journeys. Being one of the smaller schools with 122 students within the Darebin municipality, we can present learning experiences that are not only contemporary, but are personable and relevant to the students we know well.</p> <p>At Sacred Heart, a sense of community is evidenced as staff and parents work together, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of the students are always our priority. Our commitment to a quality education that inspires, challenges and prepares our students, is achieved within a supportive school environment.</p> <p>Our ongoing commitment to improving student learning, is realised within a culture that values and respects the uniqueness of each child, ensuring they can reach their full potential. Staff development is prioritized, with teachers supported and encouraged to engage with current educational research and practice. The leadership team is highly visible and accessible, working in close partnership with both staff and families. Their approach is proactive, responsive, and rooted in servant leadership, ensuring that the school remains adaptable and aligned with the needs of its community.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Enrolment numbers are correct at the time of publication.</p> <p><strong>KEY SELECTION CRITERIA</strong></p> <ul> <li>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.&nbsp;</li> <li>Demonstrated ability in instructional leadership, including determining and implementing evidence-based learning and teaching program and school curriculum.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Demonstrated understanding and enactment of the legislative and systemic compliance requirements applicable to all Catholic schools.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Strong coaching and leadership skills to enable team growth and development, championing innovation and improvement to support continuous learning.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>HOW TO APPLY</strong></p> <p>Please refer to the<a href="https://cem.elmotalent.com.au/uploads/cem/files/Position%20Description-Principal-September%202024%2834%29.pdf" rel="nofollow"> position description</a> for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria.</p> <p>Click APPLY to submit your application.</p> <p>If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our team by email <a href="mailto:<a href='mailto:principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au?subject=Principal%20-%20Sacred%20Heart%2C%20Preston%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29'>principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au</a>?subject=Principal%20-%20Sacred%20Heart%2C%20Preston%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow"><u></u></a><u><a href="mailto:principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au?subject=Principal%20-%20Sacred%20Heart%2C%20Preston%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29">principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au</a></u></p> <p>All applicants are required to submit a copy of:</p> <ol> <li>Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching registration (including current criminal history check)</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Current resume</li> <li>Cover letter</li> <li>Document addressing the key selection criteria limited to four to five pages.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Certified statements of service from current and previous employers are required from applicants who are currently <strong><u>not </u></strong>employed in Victorian Catholic education.</li> </ol> <p>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.</p> <p>Candidates must hold full Australian working rights, and provide evidence of this.</p> <p>All successful candidates will be required to complete a “Schools Fit and Proper Personal Declaration”</p> <p><u>Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants</u></p> <p>MACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process</p> <p>For further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice <a href="https://www.macs.vic.edu.au/MelbourneArchdioceseCatholicSchools/media/About-Us/Policies/Privacy-Collection-Notice-Job-Applicants.pdf" rel="nofollow"><u>here</u></a></p> <p>COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 4 or by negotiation.</p> <p>APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 8 September &nbsp;2025</p>

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