<p><strong>Praise. Love. Serve.</strong></p> <p>St John’s Lutheran Primary School is seeking an <strong>outstanding educator and visionary leader</strong> to serve as Principal starting in Semester 2, 2026. Located on a beautiful 10-acre site in the historic coastal town of Portland, Victoria, our school provides an inspiring, Christ-centered education for approximately 123 students from Foundation to Year 6.</p> <p><strong>The Opportunity</strong></p> <p>As Principal, you will provide spiritual, educational, and administrative leadership within a supportive and collaborative community. This is an exciting time to lead St John’s as we implement our <strong>Strategic Plan 2024–2028</strong>, which focuses on excellence in teaching, community engagement, and organizational sustainability, including the planned construction of contemporary new educational facilities.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong>Spiritual Leadership:</strong> Model a strong Christian faith and integrate the school’s worship program with the life of the Portland-Heywood Lutheran Church.</p> <p><strong>Educational Excellence:</strong> Drive a contemporary educational program based on high professional standards and sound research.</p> <p><strong>Strategic Management:</strong> Lead the school’s business, financial, and marketing directions while ensuring all regulatory and reporting requirements are met.</p> <p><strong>Community Engagement:</strong> Foster positive relationships with staff, families, the Gunditjmara community, and the wider Portland district.</p> <p><strong>Teaching Component:</strong> This position currently includes a small teaching component (approximately 0.2 FTE), allowing the Principal to model best-practice pedagogy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>About You</strong></p> <p>The successful candidate will be a dynamic and approachable leader who possesses:</p> <ul> <li><strong>A practising Christian</strong> who is either an active communicant member of the Lutheran Church of Australia/New Zealand (LCANZ), open to joining the LCA/NZ on appointment, or willing to undergo a process of 'colloquy' which would ensure deeper understanding of the Lutheran faith prior to appointment.</li> <li><strong>Accreditation to lead a Lutheran school</strong> (or a commitment to complete it within the first contract term).</li> <li>Proven <strong>senior leadership experience</strong> in an educational setting.</li> <li>Eligibility for <strong>Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)</strong> registration.</li> <li>A post-graduate qualification in <strong>Leadership and Management</strong> (desired).</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Why St John’s?</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>A Caring Environment:</strong> We pride ourselves on a "whole child" approach, supporting students to become curious, compassionate, and active learners.</li> <li><strong>Exceptional Facilities:</strong> Our grounds include expansive ovals, bike tracks, a vegetable garden, and farm animals, all designed to promote physical activity and environmental sustainability.</li> <li><strong>Supportive Governance:</strong> The School Board is committed to your total well-being; spiritual, social, emotional, and physical.</li> <li><strong>Lifestyle:</strong> Portland offers a unique coastal lifestyle with world-class fishing, whale watching, and proximity to stunning national parks.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Employment Conditions</strong></p> <p>A competitive salary package will be offered, commensurate with experience and guided by <strong>Lutheran Education VIC, NSW &amp; TAS (LEVNT)</strong>. The initial contract is for five years, with provision for annual performance and remuneration reviews. A Principal’s residence may also be available at a negotiated rental.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>How to Apply</strong></p> <p><strong>A Principal information package&nbsp;</strong>is available by emailing:<strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="mailto:<a href='mailto:positions@levnt.edu.au?subject=Principal%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29'>positions@levnt.edu.au</a>?subject=Principal%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow"><strong></strong></a><strong><a href="mailto:positions@levnt.edu.au?subject=Principal%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29">positions@levnt.edu.au</a></strong></p> <p>It includes a Position Description, Key Selection Criteria, and the procedure involved to apply for this position.</p> <p>Applications close<strong>&nbsp;</strong>9.00am AEST Friday 6th March 2026 with interviews anticipated for Saturday 14th March 2026 at St John’s Lutheran Primary School.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Any enquiries should be directed to:&nbsp;</p> <p>Mr Colin Minke<br> Executive Director&nbsp;<br> Lutheran Education VIC NSW &amp; TAS</p> <p>Phone: (03) 9236 1250</p> <p>Email: <a href="mailto:colin.minke@levnt.edu.au?subject=Principal%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29">colin.minke@levnt.edu.au</a></p>