The Diocese of Armidale covers a significant portion of the North West region of NSW. Chris Smyth has been the Director of Schools for the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) since 2015 and has led significant cultural change to improve student faith and learning outcomes. The schools in the Diocese of Armidale are building professional learning communities in a Catholic context as a vehicle for school improvement.
The CSO Diocese of Armidale administers 24 schools: 19 primary, two central and three secondary schools. With approximately 1,000 employees in teaching and non-teaching roles, the CSO supports school communities who provide learning for almost 6,000 students across the Diocese. McCarthy Catholic College is a part of this System of 24 Catholic schools.
McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth NSW
With 850 students and 100 staff, McCarthy Catholic College is a co-educational high school, from Years 7 to 12.
It was formed in 2000 with the amalgamation of Our Lady of the Rosary College (Years 7 to 10) and McCarthy Catholic Senior High School (Years 11 & 12). The College continues the traditions in Catholic education of the Dominican Sisters and Christian Brothers who contributed significantly to the culture and growth of both the former Colleges.
McCarthy Catholic College aspires to provide an excellent education in the Catholic tradition for the young men and women of the Tamworth region. This is achieved through a growth mindset and a vibrant and holistic curriculum that is adaptable and data-informed to target individual student needs.
Living in Tamworth
Over 62,000 people reside in the Tamworth Region. Tamworth offers an enviable lifestyle with all the conveniences and services you’d expect from a larger metropolitan city, coupled with a relaxed pace of life and abundance of natural beauty. As the capital of the North-West region, Tamworth is also home to major health and education centres.
The region has attractive employment and business opportunities with a robust and innovative local economy. There is also plenty of affordable housing, with options to suit all lifestyles and budgets.
Further Information
Additional information can be viewed by visiting the McCarthy College website located at https://mccarthy.nsw.edu.au/ and the CSO website located at https://arm.catholic.edu.au/
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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.
At a later stage in this project you will be provided a full position description; organisation chart; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.
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 2024 school year. A term 4 2023 start is ideal.
Location
The College is in Tribe Street, Tamworth, NSW.
Conditions of Employment
- Salary and Conditions are negotiable and will be discussed as we progress through this recruitment project. The package will not be limited to a formula based upon student numbers.
- 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 and complete a National Criminal History 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 Principal or Assistant Principal 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 undergraduate education degree and relevant postgraduate degree qualifications in educational leadership, curriculum, theology or religious education or similar; 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?
If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1508. All we require at the outset is a resume, email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest. All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.
Questions can be directed to John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com
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The Selection Process
The timeline for this project is as follows:
| Date of project launch/advertising | By Wed 14th June |
| Latest date for applications | Wed 5th July |
| Selection committee short listing | During week commencing Mon 17th July |
| Anticipated date for CSO interviews | Week of Monday 24th or Monday 31st July |
| Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.
- We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the role aligns with your expectations and interests.
- The application period is open for longer than usual. This is to ensure that people are not disadvantaged or discouraged by the process being scheduled across the term break.
- 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 complete a work-related reference; and a faith-based reference with a Catholic priest; both prior to shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another work-related referee between shortlisting and interviews; with final references completed in the final stages of the process. No referee will be contacted without your express consent.
- The selection committee will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
- Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes a National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Director, or his nominee, unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
- Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.
- Please note people are contacted and discussions commence soon after applications are received. We do not wait until the close date. There are advantages in applying immediately.
Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents.
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.
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.
