The Diocese of Armidale is led by Bishop Michael Kennedy and covers a significant portion of North Western NSW. Chris Smyth has been the Director of Schools since 2015 and has led significant cultural change to improve student faith and learning outcomes. The schools in the Diocese of Armidale are building a professional learning community in a Catholic context as a vehicle for school improvement.
The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) Diocese of Armidale administers 24 schools: 19 primary, two central and three secondary schools. O’Connor Catholic College is a part of this System of Catholic schools.
O’Connor Catholic College Armidale
O’Connor Catholic College is a co-educational high school, from Years 7-12 which began in 1975 with the amalgamation of two of Armidale’s longest established schools; St Ursula’s College and De La Salle College.
With a population of around 530 students, O’Connor is committed to the vision of being a faith-filled community working collaboratively to enhance the learning for all, resulting in students who are creative, confident and informed people ready to make a difference in our world.
The staff at O’Connor are committed to creating learning opportunities for everyone. At O’Connor, learning encompasses faith learning which is integral to the mission as a Catholic school, academic learning so that every student achieves the best learning outcomes and wellbeing and resilience skills which are important for a healthy, balanced life.
In June 2020 Director of Schools, Chris Smyth, spoke of the development plans for O’Connor with the first of a 3-stage capital works program valued at $16.5m. See the press release by clicking here.
Living in Armidale
O’Connor is located in Armidale, situated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and only two hours from the coast. Armidale is a major city with a population of 24,500 people, which rests high on the Northern Tablelands and is known for its four distinct seasons.
The Armidale region boasts spectacular gorges, world-heritage national parks, cool-climate vineyards and waterfalls including the Wollomombi Falls which are one of the highest in Australia. It is an ideal area for those who enjoy outdoor adventures including canyoning, mountain climbing, biking, bird watching or trout fishing. Galleries, museums, fine foods and a vibrant event calendar including festivals, music, theatre, markets, book fairs and major sporting events guarantee an experience suitable for all ages.
Armidale is rich in heritage with grand cathedrals, colonial buildings and is home to the University of New England.
Further Information
For further information on the school, please visit http://www.oconnor.nsw.edu.au/.
Position Overview
Position Title: Principal
Reports to: Consultant: School Performance through to the Director of Schools
Position Purpose
The Principal is the religious, educational and organisational leader of a Catholic School within the Diocese of Armidale. The Principal provides leadership and exercises prudential stewardship of the Catholic School. The Principal is ultimately responsible for the Catholic identity and ethos, curriculum and effective management of the school.
Later in this project you will be provided a full position description; and an organisation chart.
Commencement
The start date for this position is negotiable, although it is anticipated that the new Principal will commence no later than the start of the 2022 school year.
Conditions of Employment
- Salary and Conditions are negotiable and will be discussed as we progress through this recruitment project.
- The term of the initial contract is negotiable. Subsequent contract renewal is subject to a successful performance review.
- Under normal circumstances, at least 10 school term weeks’ notice is required by either party to terminate employment.
- Applicants who are successful in gaining an interview will receive an interview travel allowance.
- Reasonable relocation expenses (if required) will be provided for the successful applicant.
- The successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check.
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- Commitment to and practice of the Catholic faith.
- A minimum of five years successful experience as a primary or secondary school Leader; or an equivalent role in school system leadership or the tertiary sector.
- A contemporary leader with the demonstrated capacity to inspire a team; collaboratively develop strategy and culture; and manage change.
- An innovative educational leader that can clearly articulate a vision of learning and teaching that integrates Catholic values and pastoral care into the daily life of the school.
- A leader with outstanding interpersonal skills to build a vibrant parish school community.
- An educational leader that will embrace the Diocese of Armidale vision and strategies for developing a Professional Learning Community in a Catholic context aligned to the CSO Strategic Plan.
- Hold professional qualifications:
- An education degree and/or relevant postgraduate qualification; and
- Completion of or willingness to undertake appropriate postgraduate courses in the areas of religious education or theology to meet accreditation requirements of Category E as per the Catholic Schools framework for the accreditation of staff in Catholic schools.
- Be NESA accredited or be eligible to be accredited by NESA to teach in NSW.
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 TS1470. Please provide a brief resume and contact (mobile) 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 Fri. 17th Sept. |
| Latest anticipated date for applications | Tuesday 5th Oct. |
| Review meeting & short listing | Week commencing Mon 11th Oct. |
| Anticipated date for client interviews | Week of Monday 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 CSO 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 CSO 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 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’.
Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.
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