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. Holy Spirit College is a part of this System of Catholic schools.
Holy Spirit College
Holy Spirit College is a Years 7 – 12, co-educational Catholic college which commenced in 2015. The College is a Special Assistance school committed to supporting disengaged and marginalised young people. They offer inclusive and non-discriminating learning opportunities to young people, who for a variety of reasons, have found other educational environments unsuitable.
The College operates with 3 campuses:
Cooktown
This main campus is in Cooktown, approx. 3 ½ hour drive north of Cairns. It is a boarding and day school with residences for 32 young people. While young people from all areas and backgrounds are welcome at the College, the present cohort is 100% Indigenous young people from Cooktown, Hopevale and Wujal Wujal. The campus offers programs for day and boarding. The boarding facilities offer 16 female and 16 male residential places.
Cairns (Manoora)
The Cairns campus is a day school facility. It is a small, very urban environment in Manoora, located about 5 kilometres from the Cairns CBD. Young people at the campus come from as far away as Palm Cove to the north, Gordonvale to the South and Kuranda to the west.
Cairns (Edmonton)
The Edmonton campus is a day school facility in a small urban environment. Young people at the campus mainly come from the southern corridors of Cairns
There are 86 students across the three campuses.
Further Information
Additional information can be viewed by visiting the Holy Spirit College website located at: https://www.holyspiritcollege.qld.edu.au/
Position Overview
Position Title: Co-Principal in 2022, transitioning to Principal in 2023
Reports to: Director School Effectiveness through to the Executive Director
Position Purpose
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 Holy Spirit 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 Holy Spirit College is approx. 32.
An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.
Commencement and Context
The commencement date is negotiable but ideally the successful applicant will be able to start for the beginning of the 2022 school year.
The current principal, Erica Prosser, is retiring at the end of 2022. To ensure a smooth transition of leadership, the College will operate with co-principals during 2022, before reverting to one principal for the start of 2023.
Location
The main campus is located on the corner of Burkitt and Amos Streets in Cooktown.
It is anticipated that the Co-Principal will live in Cairns and use air travel to commute to the Cooktown campus when necessary. Onsite accommodation is provided whilst in Cooktown
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
- Registered (or eligible to register) with the Queensland College of Teachers.
- 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:
- An active participant in and committed to the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
- Leadership experience in secondary education, with a demonstrated ability in curriculum development, especially alternative education delivery programs.
- A strong commitment to the social justice principles with an understanding and rapport with young people drawn from backgrounds of disadvantage and marginalisation.
- The ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams to meet the needs of students at risk.
- Skills in interpersonal relationships and for building community; with a commitment to the pastoral care of members of the school community.
- Postgraduate qualifications and ongoing involvement in professional associations and personal development.
The ideal applicant will also have experience in:
- An educational setting providing programs and education for young people disengaged from mainstream education.
- Operating at more than one site, including, possibly, remote settings.
- Education for Indigenous young people.
- Boarding or dormitory facilities.
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 TS1469. 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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