Principal - St Michael’s Primary School, North Melbourne
Contract Type: Contract Position Full Time
Applications Close: 8 June 2026
St Michael’s Primary School 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. </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 MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, NORTH MELBOURNE</strong></p>
<p>St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in North Melbourne has over 150 years of excellence in education. A welcoming and nurturing community, the school knows each child and fosters learning that inspires students to think deeply and act with justice, compassion, and hope. By personalising learning, St Michael’s supports the unique development of every student and prepares them for a rapidly changing society. Embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging, the school has consistently been at the forefront of education, equipping students to thrive both within and beyond the school community.</p>
<p>The school provides a supportive environment where students are encouraged to develop their full potential through a balanced curriculum, engaging learning experiences, and a strong emphasis on values rooted in the Catholic tradition. With dedicated staff and a focus on fostering compassion, respect, and a sense of responsibility, St Michael’s equips students with the skills and confidence to thrive both in school and beyond.</p>
<p><strong>ABOUT THE COMMUNITY</strong></p>
<p>The St Michael’s community in North Melbourne has a rich history spanning over 150 years, serving children and families in the local area and surrounding communities. The first St Michael’s School was established in 1868, and in 1886 the Sisters of Mercy arrived from Geelong to guide the education of its students, shaping a tradition of faith-filled learning that continues today. The community is warm, inclusive, and deeply connected, honouring the diversity of the children and families entrusted to it. Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Church, and the inspired life of Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Mercy Sisters, St Michael’s fosters a sense of belonging, encourages collaboration, and supports every member to grow, flourish, and contribute positively to both the school and the wider world.</p>
<p>Families, staff, and students work together to create a supportive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every member is valued. Rooted in Catholic traditions, the community fosters a sense of belonging, encourages collaboration, and inspires students to act with compassion, justice, and respect. Over generations, St Michael’s has cultivated strong partnerships between home and school, ensuring that each child feels supported and empowered to flourish both academically and personally.</p>
<p>The Principal leads a team of approximately 46 staff and a student cohort of 236 students. MACS is seeking a Principal who will continue to nurture the strong relationships and actively engage with the community.</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%2830%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%20Michael%E2%80%99s%20Primary%20School%2C%20North%20Melbourne%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29'>principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au</a>?subject=Principal%20-%20St%20Michael%E2%80%99s%20Primary%20School%2C%20North%20Melbourne%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%20Michael%E2%80%99s%20Primary%20School%2C%20North%20Melbourne%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29">principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au</a></u></p>
<p>All applicants are required to submit a copy or record of:</p>
<ol>
<li>Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Registration (including current criminal history check) or current Digital VIT Registration Card.</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 and or lead 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 regularly attend on a Sunday. These professional 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 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 3 2026</p>
<p>APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 8 June 2026</p>
<p><strong>Please feel free to submit your application ahead of the closing date as applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period.</strong></p>