Principal

St John's Lutheran School - Portland

PORTLAND, VIC 


Principal / Head of School

Contract Type: Permanent/Ongoing Position Full Time

Applications Close: 31 July 2026


St John’s Lutheran Primary School is seeking a values-driven Principal to lead a Christ-centred F–6 community in coastal Portland from 2027. The role blends spiritual, educational, and operational leadership, with a focus on driving teaching excellence and delivering the school’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. Ideal for an experienced educator who values community connection, contemporary practice, and whole-child learning.

<p><strong>Lutheran Education VIC, NSW &amp; TAS (LEVNT)</strong><br><i>Praise. Love. Serve.</i></p> <p>St John’s Lutheran Primary School is seeking an outstanding educator and visionary leader to commence as Principal in 2027.</p> <p>Located on a picturesque 10-acre site in historic coastal Portland, Victoria, St John’s provides a Christ-centred education to approximately 123 students (Foundation–Year 6).&nbsp;</p> <p>This is an exciting opportunity to lead the School through its Strategic Plan 2024–2028, including the development of contemporary new learning facilities.</p> <p><strong>The Role</strong></p> <p>The Principal provides spiritual, educational and operational leadership within a supportive Lutheran community.</p> <p>Key focus areas include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Spiritual Leadership</strong> – modelling Christian faith and strengthening connections with Portland-Heywood Lutheran Church</li> <li><strong>Educational Leadership</strong> – driving excellence in teaching and learning through contemporary, research-informed practice</li> <li><strong>Strategic &amp; Operational Management</strong> – overseeing finance, compliance, staffing and sustainable growth</li> <li><strong>Community Engagement</strong> – building strong relationships with families, staff, the Gunditjmara community and the wider district</li> </ul> <p>The role includes a small teaching component (approx. 0.2 FTE).</p> <p><strong>About You</strong></p> <p>You will be a relational and strategic leader who:</p> <ul> <li>Is a practising Christian (LCANZ member, open to joining, or willing to undertake the process of ‘colloquy’)</li> <li>Holds (or commits to obtaining) Lutheran school leadership accreditation</li> <li>Has demonstrated senior leadership experience in education</li> <li>Is eligible for VIT registration</li> <li>Holds postgraduate qualifications in leadership (desirable)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Why St John’s?</strong></p> <ul> <li>A nurturing, whole-child learning environment</li> <li>Expansive grounds and facilities supporting sustainability and outdoor learning</li> <li>Supportive governance and strong community spirit</li> <li>An exceptional coastal lifestyle in Portland, Victoria</li> </ul> <p>A competitive five-year contract package (aligned with LEVNT guidelines) will be offered. A Principal residence may be available by negotiation.</p>
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Application Instructions

<p>For a confidential conversation and to obtain the <strong>Candidate Information Pack</strong>, which outlines the full position description, qualifications and experience required, and the Key Selection Criteria please contact:</p> <p>Rob Evans –&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rob.e@anzuk.education?subject=Principal%20%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow">rob.e@anzuk.education</a> | 03 9249 2431<br> James Mundy –&nbsp;<a href="mailto:james.m@anzuk.education?subject=Principal%20%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow">james.m@anzuk.education</a> | 0422 228 164<br><br><strong>Applications close: 5pm Friday 31 July 2026</strong><br> St John’s reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date<strong>.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>How to Apply</strong></p> <p>Applications should be submitted as <strong>one combined PDF document</strong> and addressed to:</p> <p><strong>The Board Chair,</strong> St John’s Lutheran Primary School and emailed to Rob Evans, Regional Manager and James Mundy, Head of ANZUK Executive:</p> <p>E:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rob.e@anzuk.education?subject=Principal%20%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow">rob.e@anzuk.education</a><a href="mailto:ligia.l@anzuk.education?subject=Principal%20%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a>and E: <a href="mailto:james.m@anzuk.education?subject=Principal%20%20position%20%28via%20Teachers%20On%20Net%29" rel="nofollow">james.m@anzuk.education</a></p> <p>Subject Line: Principal Application – St John’s Portland</p>