Bring your ambition to life
Led by the Bishop of Darwin, Most Rev Charles Gauci, the Catholic Diocese of Darwin is diverse and geographically vast, covering 1,350,000 square kilometres. We enjoy the vibrancy of over 80 cultures, each contributing to a fascinating tapestry of faith and tradition. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the first Australians, figure largely in our Diocese, with 26.8 percent of our Catholic population Indigenous to Australia.
Catholic Education Northern Territory is a system comprising 18 Catholic schools (six colleges, seven primary schools and five remote schools) with an enrolment of approximately 5,000 students and 900 staff.
MacKillop Catholic College in Palmerston, Northern Territory is a part of this system of schools. Established in 2012, this Year 7 to 12 Catholic College has grown over the past ten years to be a leading school for the Catholic Diocese of Darwin. It has grown from strength to strength, enjoying a student enrolment exceeding 770 students, in 2021.
MacKillop is proudly known for its academics, a vibrant Performing Arts Department, Centre for Languages (Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian), home for the MacKillop Saints Sporting Association, the base for a celebrated outdoor pursuits program and relishes in the delivery of multiple pathways for student subject and certificate choice through its own Registered Training Organisation.
Student life is good at MacKillop. This is evidenced by increasing enrolments and community confidence. The life, faith and example of Saint Mary MacKillop permeates all aspects of the College making it a truly Catholic College. Here, within the parish of Our Lady Help of Christians and supported by Fr Tom English our Parish Priest, we are encouraged to stir into flame the gifts given to each and the faith and confidence to use them without reserve.
Palmerston is a satellite city of Darwin. The city is approximately 20 kilometres from Darwin and has a population of more than 35,000, making it the second largest city in the Northern Territory.
Further Information
Visit the College website to obtain more detailed information including the leadership team structure by clicking here.
Learn more about Palmerston by clicking here.
Position Overview
Position Title: Principal
Reports to: Director of Catholic Education through the Principals’ Consultant
Position Summary
The Principal is committed to living and promoting a shared vision and mission for the school that is distinctly Catholic. Working collaboratively with the members of the School Leadership Team, the Principal is required to provide strategic and operational leadership in the following areas: Catholic Identity, Leadership, Teaching & Learning, Pastoral Care & Wellbeing, Community & Culture and Finance, Facilities & Resources.
The Principal plays a critical role in supporting a diverse community of learners maintaining strong relationships with local groups and community leaders supporting students in their educational endeavours.
A range of additional information, including a full position description and the staffing structure, will be provided at a later stage in the process.
Commencement
The commencement date is negotiable but ideally the successful applicant will be able to start by the beginning of term 3: 12th July 2021.
Conditions of Employment
- Remuneration package $198,010 – $212,501
- Initial 4-year contract
- Obtain and retain a Working with Children Check from Screening Assessment for Employment – Northern Territory (SAFE NT).
- Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
- Obtain Northern Territory Teacher Registration
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- A Catholic who is an active member of a Catholic Eucharistic community committed to Catholic Values and participation in Catholic Worship.
- Experience in a senior leadership position in education or as a school principal, with proven knowledge and experience in contemporary pedagogical curriculum and assessment.
- Capacity to lead staff development, pastoral care and wellbeing, including staff formation processes.
- Participation in appropriate post‐graduate professional development activities.
- Completed\commenced Masters study in Religious Education, Theology and/or Educational Leadership.
Are You Interested in this Opportunity?
If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1445. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number.
If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our job alerts.
Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to jobs@traksearch.com.
The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.
The Selection Process
Key dates as follows:
| Date of project launch/advertising | By Wednesday 17th March |
| Latest anticipated date for applications | Wednesday 7th April |
| Review meeting & short listing | Late week commencing Mon 12th April |
| Anticipated date for client interviews | Week of Monday 26th April |
| Final references; academic documents obtained | Following client interviews |
| Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:
- Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for your confidential enquiries. They will also provide a range of additional information to allow you to explore how this opportunity aligns with your expectations and interests.
- Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the employers schedule.
- We expect to contact one work-related referee and a Catholic Priest referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Director or his nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
- If you would like a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.
