The Catholic Education Community of the Diocese of Cairns embraces 30 schools, including 20 primary schools, 2 Prep to Year 12 colleges and 8 secondary colleges. In total, there are 11500 students and 1500 staff; making Catholic education one of, if not the largest, non-government employer in the region. Good Counsel College is a part of this System of schools.
Good Counsel College, Innisfail
Good Counsel College is a Catholic co-educational school situated on Mamu country in the heart of the township of Innisfail, approximately 90 kilometres south of Cairns. Good Counsel College is one of only two 7-12 schools in the town.
The College was formed in 1975 after the merge of the Sacred Heart School for girls conducted by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and the Mother of Good Counsel School for boys conducted by the Marist Brothers. The College joined the Cairns Catholic Education Community of schools in 2015; and re-joined Marist Schools Australia in the same year.
The current enrolment is 358 students.
Living in Innisfail
Innisfail is the Cassowary Coast’s biggest town with a population of approximately 10,000. The township is situated at the junction of the North and South Johnstone Rivers, about 5km from the coast.
Agriculture is the major economic driver with well-established banana, sugar cane and tropical fruit industries. With access to two World Heritage Areas – the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics rainforests – the town is surrounded by beautiful natural attractions.
Further Information
Additional information can be viewed by visiting the Good Counsel College website located at https://www.gcc.qld.edu.au/
Position Overview
Position Title: Principal
Reports to: Director School Effectiveness through to the Executive Director
Position Purpose and Context
Leadership and strategic management of the system of schools is the responsibility of the Executive Director of Catholic Education. Cairns Catholic Education Service sets strategic directions and develops system priorities, policies, procedures and guidelines supporting effective, ethical and safe practices at Good Counsel College.
The Principal is the religious and educational leader of a Catholic school within the Diocese of Cairns.
At a later stage in this project you will be provided a full position description; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.
Key Relationships
The position reports to the Director School Effectiveness through to the Executive Director. Total staff at Good Counsel College is approx. 70. The school has a strong connection with the Mother of Good Counsel Parish Church and Fr Kerry Crowley PP.
An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.
Commencement
The commencement date is negotiable but ideally the successful applicant will be able to start for the beginning of the 2022 school year.
Location
The College is situated at 66 Owen Street, Innisfail.
Conditions of Employment
- Remuneration will be discussed as we progress through the process.
- Appointment: 5-year initial period contract; with an option for a further 5 years
- The appointee to this position will be required to complete a period of 6-month probation, in accordance with The Fair Work Act 2010
- A non-smoking policy is effective in Catholic Education Services buildings, offices, and motor vehicles.
- The Diocese has a relocation policy to assist, if required.
- Applicants will require a current “C” Class Drivers Licence
- The Working with Children (Risk Management & Screening) Act 2000 requires the preferred applicant to be subject to “working with children check” as part of the employment screening process. Further details regarding this check may be obtained by accessing the web site of the Public Safety Business Agency at the following internet address: https://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- A commitment to the objectives, vision and ethos of Catholic Education.
- An active participant in and committed to the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
- Experience in secondary school Leadership combined with skill in curriculum development and knowledge of contemporary education issues.
- A successful teaching career, including in religious education; and registered (or eligible to register) with the Queensland College of
- Skills in interpersonal relationships and for building community; with a commitment to the pastoral care of members of the school community.
- Qualifications in Education and Religion with a personal focus on continual professional learning.
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 TS1468. Please provide a brief resume and contact (mobile) telephone number.
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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 Friday 10th Sept. |
Latest anticipated date for applications | Mon. 27th Sept. |
Review meeting & short listing | Week commencing Mon 4th Oct. |
Anticipated date for client interviews | Weeks of Monday 11th or 18th Oct. |
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 CES Cairns 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.
- The CES Cairns 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 Executive Director or nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
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