Principal (re-advertised) – OLSHT, P-12 College, Wadeye, Northern Territory

After 10 years as Principal Dr John Young is leaving Our Lady of The Sacred Heart Thamurrurr (OLSHT) Catholic College. He arrived thinking the standard 4-year contract would be ideal. He was surprised at the level of welcome given to him and quickly became attached to the Wadeye community. As he now reflects on his 10 years of leadership, John said the opportunity to provide a real difference to his community is something he will always treasure.

Is it time to ‘Bring your ambition to life’?

Catholic Education Northern Territory is a system comprising 18 Catholic schools with an enrolment of approximately 4,800 students and 900 staff. OLSHT is a part of this system of schools. OLSHT is the only provider of compulsory education in the remote Aboriginal Community of Wadeye, which is located 400 km South West of Darwin.

OLSHT enrolment fluctuates between 550-650. The College operates from Transition to Year Twelve and includes a Pre-school and a Families as First Teachers program. The College has a staff of 140 which includes 70 Aboriginal staff who are employed as teachers, assistant teachers and support staff.

OLSHT is a bilingual school and has integrated Thamarrurr Culture and the Murrinhpatha language in all elements of its teachings and operation. Bilingual and Bicultural education is supported by the OLSHT Literature Production Centre which employs, artists, linguist, and authors to produce high quality literacy resources.

The College has a core group of highly proficient staff with 4 to 7 years of experience at OLSHT. The College is heavily committed to the welfare of students, staff and the wider community with a school-based nurse and social worker. OLSHT also runs a comprehensive school nutrition program.

The town of Wadeye has a population of 2500. It has a twice daily air service to Darwin that takes roughly an hour’s flight. It is a five to six-hour drive to Darwin when the road is open from May to December.

Further Information

Visit the College website to obtain more detailed information including the leadership team structure by clicking here.

Learn more about Wadeye by clicking here.

Position Overview

Position Title: Principal

Reports to: Director of Catholic Education through the Principals’ Consultant

Position Summary

Working collaboratively with the members of the College 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. The Principal is supported by a core group of highly proficient staff who have from 4 to 7 years of experience at OLSHT.

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

It is anticipated the successful person will be able to commence on 17^th January 2022.

Conditions of Employment

• Remuneration package (salary plus superannuation) is $199,121 – $216,024.
• An accommodation package including housing, electricity and rates is provided.
• 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.
• Recent leadership experience in a Catholic primary or secondary school, preferably in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting.
• A desire to immerse and commit yourself to Aboriginal Education.
• Capacity to lead staff development, pastoral care and wellbeing, including staff formation processes.
• Participation in appropriate post‐graduate professional development activities.
• Registration or eligibility for registration with the Teacher Registration Board (TRB) of the Northern Territory.
• Completed/commenced Masters study in Religious Education, Theology and/or Educational Leadership.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

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 TS1461. 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:

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.
• CENT will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• 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.
• To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

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