Principal - St Agnes Primary School, Highett
Contract Type: Contract Position Full Time
Applications Close: 22 September 2025
St Agnes Primary School, Highett 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>. </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>. </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. </p>
<p><strong>ABOUT ST AGNES PRIMARY SCHOOL, HIGHETT</strong></p>
<p>St Agnes Primary School, Highett was first established in 1951 under the leadership and guidance of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. A welcoming, inclusive and faith filled learning environment ensures that the diverse range of students in attendance feel nurtured and connected to their environment ensuring optimum learning outcomes possible.</p>
<p>Dedicated and skilled staff follow an evidence-based teaching program with explicit and direct instruction with a strong emphasis on improving individual learning outcomes for our students in the areas of Literacy and Mathematics. Each day students practice mindfulness and meditation, to maintain focus and regulate their thoughts and emotions.</p>
<p>Students are encouraged to consider that their Catholic Faith and identity are at the centre of everything that they do. Cross-curriculum links provide further opportunities for students to explore their faith, encouraging them to act towards a just world. St Agnes Primary school supports students and staff to build a relationship with God through Prayer, Liturgy and Action, understanding the importance of the values of the Gospels.</p>
<p>A strong understanding of current educational practices and MACS directions is essential.</p>
<p><strong>ABOUT THE COMMUNITY</strong></p>
<p>The community of St Agnes Primary School Highett is diverse and vibrant, and enrolments have continued to grow in recent years. The school has an excellent reputation in the region with a focus to support and uplift student wellbeing and build strong family connections. Staff consider that the enrolment of the child extends to the entire family and recognises the positive impact of pastoral care on the school and the wider community.</p>
<p>There are many opportunities for parents to be involved with the wider St Agnes community through an active and highly valued Parent’s and Friends Committee, School Advisory Council and social activities for parents and carers. The school welcomes and values contributions from all families to participate their child’s faith journey through whole school Mass, Liturgies and family celebrations.</p>
<p>St Agnes Primary School Highett has a current enrolment of 164 students.</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. </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. </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%2840%29.pdf" rel="nofollow"><u>position description</u></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-%20St%20Agnes%20Primary%20School%2C%20Highett%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29'>principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au</a>?subject=Principal%20-%20St%20Agnes%20Primary%20School%2C%20Highett%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow"><u></u></a><u><a href="mailto:principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au?subject=Principal%20-%20St%20Agnes%20Primary%20School%2C%20Highett%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. 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 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 1 2026 or by negotiation.</p>
<p>APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 22 September 2025</p>