<p><strong>Stella Maris College Mission and Vision</strong></p> <p>Stella Maris College, Manly, is a Catholic secondary school for girls in Years 7 to 12, inspired by the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition. As one of ten schools nationally that form the Good Samaritan Education (GSE) network, the College upholds a holistic and inclusive approach to education, grounded in the values of stewardship, mutuality, prayer, hospitality, humility, discernment, justice, and peace.</p> <p>Informed by the Good Samaritan Philosophy of Education, Stella Maris is committed to fostering a learning environment that promotes innovative pedagogy across all areas of the curriculum while nurturing the personal, social, and spiritual growth of each student. At the heart of this commitment is a strong focus on pastoral care, which seeks to ensure that every student is known, valued, and supported to flourish.</p> <p>The College encourages students to become grounded, hope-filled young people who are capable of deep listening, wise leadership, and compassionate engagement with others and the world. Pastoral care at Stella Maris is not a separate program but an integrated and relational approach that informs all aspects of school life, from the classroom to the co-curricular space, fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing.</p> <p>Stella Maris College is incorporated and governed locally by a Board of Directors, accountable through the Company Members to Good Samaritan Education.</p> <p><strong>Position Purpose</strong></p> <p>The Dean of Mission and Identity plays a vital leadership role at Stella Maris College, inspiring and animating the spiritual life of our community. As a member of the College Leadership Team, the Dean brings our Catholic faith and the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition to life for students and staff in ways that are dynamic, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the Gospel.</p> <p>This role, <strong>commencing in January 2026</strong>, calls for a committed and creative leader who can shape a faith-filled culture that engages the hearts and minds of young women. The Dean will lead with both strategic insight and pastoral sensitivity, cultivating an environment where prayer, justice, hospitality and peace are encountered in everyday College life.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><i>Identity and Religious Leadership</i></p> <ul> <li>Promote and embody the Catholic ethos and Benedictine values of Stella Maris College.</li> <li>Ensure that the College’s mission is woven throughout all programs, relationships, and initiatives.</li> <li>Act as a spiritual leader within the community, fostering a culture of reflection, compassion and hope.</li> <li>Develops policies, structures and procedures relating to Mission and Identity that realise the goals of Stella Maris College</li> </ul> <p><i>Strategic and Organisational Leadership</i></p> <ul> <li>Contribute to the development and implementation of the College’s Strategic and Mission Plans.</li> <li>Provide leadership for ministry-related initiatives, projects, and calendar planning.</li> <li>Work collaboratively with the Principal and Leadership Team to evaluate and grow the faith life of the College.</li> <li>Participate in the preparation of reports and contributions to GSE and the Diocese.</li> <li>Prepares and leads staff into the charism through the staff induction program, staff retreats and spirituality days.</li> </ul> <p><i>Student and Staff Formation Leadership</i></p> <ul> <li>Design, administer and lead a comprehensive student formation program including retreats, reflection days, and leadership in ministry.</li> <li>Provide formation pathways for staff, including induction, Benedictine spirituality, Lectio Divina, and professional learning aligned with the faith mission of the College.</li> <li>Encourage reflective practice and theological dialogue across the community.</li> </ul> <p><i>Prayer, Liturgy and Sacramental Life Leadership</i></p> <ul> <li>Coordinate the liturgical life of the College, including: <ul> <li>Whole-school Masses (e.g., Opening Mass, Stella Day, Graduation)</li> <li>Seasonal liturgies (e.g., Lent, Advent, Holy Week)</li> <li>Year-level and class liturgies</li> <li>Daily prayer (including student-led initiatives)</li> <li>Sacramental opportunities such as Reconciliation</li> </ul></li> <li>Empower students and staff to participate actively in liturgical roles and leadership.</li> </ul> <p><i>Justice, Service and Outreach Leadership</i></p> <ul> <li>Lead the College’s social justice, outreach, and immersion programs in collaboration with the Social Justice Coordinator and other key staff.</li> <li>Promote initiatives that connect Catholic Social Teaching with real-world action, including:</li> <li>Caritas Australia, Catholic Mission, and Vinnies programs</li> <li>Good Samaritan Foundation appeals</li> <li>Local and global immersion opportunities</li> <li>Support Reconciliation and partnerships with First Nations communities.</li> </ul> <p><i>Community Engagement and Partnerships Leadership</i></p> <ul> <li>Build relationships with key Church and community stakeholders including:</li> <li>The Sisters of the Good Samaritan</li> <li>Local parish communities</li> <li>Good Samaritan Education (GSE) network</li> <li>Represent Stella Maris in GSE gatherings and contribute to Communities of Practice.</li> <li>Collaborate across the College to support and attend whole-school events and initiatives to further enhance the missiological aspects.</li> </ul> <p><i>Educational Leadership</i></p> <ul> <li>Carry a part-time Religious Education teaching load (to be negotiated annually).</li> <li>Collaborate with the Religious Education Coordinator and teaching staff to enrich the integration of the College’s mission across curriculum areas.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Selection Criteria</strong></p> <ol> <li>Be an experienced educator, with accreditation (or eligibility) to teach Religious Education in a Catholic school.</li> <li>Hold qualifications in Theology, Religious Education or a related discipline.</li> <li>Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth in ministry and leadership.</li> <li>Be a committed and practising Catholic with a deep personal faith and alignment with the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition.</li> <li>Demonstrate a passion for engaging young people in faith, justice, and leadership through creative and meaningful experiences.</li> <li>Show evidence of leadership in liturgy, formation, service, and Catholic mission within a school or Church setting.</li> <li>Display excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to build relationships and inspire others.</li> <li>Possess a deep understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, inclusive liturgical practice, and the contemporary Church in Australia.</li> <li>Align with the values of Stella Maris College.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Conditions of Appointment&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Commitment to all&nbsp;<a href="https://stellamarisnsw.policyconnect.com.au/module/265/page/9e0b6fa3-1112-41cb-b9fd-be7b2d1da955.md" rel="nofollow">Child Safeguarding Principles</a>&nbsp;at Stella Maris College.</li> <li>Ensuring that the&nbsp;<a href="https://goodsameducation.org.au/philosophy-of-education/" rel="nofollow">GSE Philosophy on Education</a>&nbsp;is reflected in leadership practice.</li> <li>The Dean of Mission and Identity is appointed by the College Principal.</li> <li>The appointee will be required to undergo performance reviews and is subject to a 6-month probation period.</li> <li>Preferred applicants will be screened in accordance with Child Protection Legislation.</li> <li>The appointee must hold a current Working with Children Check.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Workplace Health and Safety</strong></p> <ul> <li>Employees are responsible and accountable for:</li> <li>Compliance with workplace policies and procedures for risk identification, risk assessment and risk control</li> <li>Active participation in activities associated with the management of workplace health and safety</li> <li>Identification and reporting of health and safety risks, accidents, incidents, injuries and property damage at the workplace</li> <li>Where required, correct utilisation of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment or Personal Protective Clothing</li> </ul> <p><strong>Child Safe Standards</strong></p> <p>Stella Maris College is committed to ensuring that all those engaged in the College promote the fundamental right of children and young people to be respected in a safe school environment. The College has zero tolerance of child abuse and expects all of staff to:</p> <ul> <li>Be aware of, understand and comply with the College’s Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct, including the Child Safe Standards, and demonstrate behaviours in accordance with these</li> <li>Be in possession of a current and valid Working with Children Check</li> <li>Respond according to the College’s policies and procedures when interacting with children and young people, taking all allegations and concerns very seriously</li> <li>Be committed to providing a safe environment for all children and young people, promoting physical, emotional, and cultural safety</li> </ul> <p><strong>Application Process</strong></p> <p>Applications must include:</p> <ul> <li>A cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria (no more than three pages).</li> <li>A current Curriculum Vitae.</li> <li>The names and contact details of three professional referees, including one from a current Principal and one from your Parish Priest.</li> </ul> <p>Only electronic applications will be accepted via the online portal. Please note, the College reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.</p> <p>Applications by close of business Monday, 8 September, 2025.</p>