Principal – St Patrick’s College for Girls, Campbelltown, NSW

Are you seeking:

• The opportunity to lead a Catholic all-girls school community with a wonderful history dating from 1840?
• A College with a vibrant team, poised for the ‘next step’ and of a size (under 700 students) to allow relationships to be developed across the community?
• The opportunity to work with a Board in an incorporated entity while enjoying the collegiality of being a part of a network of schools?

St Patrick’s College is a Catholic Secondary School for Girls, which operates under the trusteeship of Good Samaritan Education (GSE). The College is an incorporated entity and governed by a Board of Directors which is accountable through the Company Members to GSE.

GSE is responsible for ten incorporated schools in Australia. Each school is marked by its own distinctive spirit and character, and its strong connection to the local Church. At the same time, each school identifies with and is enlivened by its membership of Good Samaritan Education. The GSE school communities work together to ensure an educational culture where all are safe, valued and welcomed.

Established in 1840 by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, St Patrick’s College is a Catholic school for girls from Years 7 to 12. The current enrolment is nearly 700 students. St Patrick’s College is the only all-girls College in the Macarthur area. As an all-girls College, the learning experiences, opportunities and resources are structured so girls can grow into confident young women.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the St Patrick’s College website located at https://www.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au/ and the Good Samaritan Education website located at https://goodsameducation.org.au/

Trak Search has also been instructed to provide a range of information to people as they progress through this process, to assist in your due diligence/discernment.

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Position Overview

Position Title: Principal

Reports to: College Board

Position Purpose

Each school of Good Samaritan Education (GSE) is an incorporated entity with its own Board. Each school forms part of a network of Catholic Schools in the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition and the Principal is required to actively contribute to strengthening the broader Good Samaritan education community in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.

As a Leader within a Good Samaritan school, the Principal is responsible for ensuring that young people remain at the heart of the mission, and that the school enlivens the GSE Philosophy of Education by focusing on quality curriculum and right relationships through effective teaching and learning that develop life-long learners and active global citizens.

The principal is appointed by the Board with the approval of GSE.

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided with the GSE ‘Philosophy of Education’ and their ‘Statement on Leadership’; a full position description; and the success criteria/priorities for the first 12 months in the role.

School Structure

The Principal leads the College executive comprising the Assistant Principal (Students), the Assistant Principal (Learning & Teaching); and the Business Manager.

The College organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.

Commencement

After 16 years of outstanding leadership, Sue Lennox will step down at the end of the 2023 school year. The appointed person is anticipated to commence for the start of term 1 2024, although availability during term 4 of 2023 would allow for a smooth transition of leadership.

Location

The College is situated at 4 St Johns Road, Campbelltown.

Conditions of Employment

• The details and terms and conditions of appointment will be discussed as we progress through this process.
• Employer superannuation contribution is in accordance with the SGC, with several options of additional employer contributions as part of the College’s co-contribution scheme.
• The salary package component is adjusted annually in line with movements in the general market and in light of performance.
• An annual appraisal process exists.
• The initial contract period of 5 years with the expectation of renewal for a further 5-year period on the successful completion of a major performance review in the 4th year of the contract. There is the usual 6-month probation period.
• Portability of benefits will be negotiated with the successful applicant, however as an indicator, portability of LSL earned with another Catholic education employer will be in accord with the agreements in place.
• Enrichment Leave – 2 weeks enrichment leave per year of service (in accordance with GSE policy) to be used in a way to support your own personal and professional development and to contribute positively to the leadership of the College.
• A relocation allowance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a successful National Criminal History Check.

Selection Criteria

The Board of St Patrick’s College seeks expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• A personal commitment to the teachings & practice of the Catholic Faith.
• A deep affinity with the GSE call to people as expressed in their ‘Statement on Leadership’.
• The capacity and desire to engage in and embed the Good Samaritan Benedictine charism into the life of the College.
• Leadership experience in Catholic education, which includes:
  • A deep knowledge of contemporary pedagogy;
  • A track record of innovation and creativity, with a vision for the future of education;
  • Exposure to wider educational forums and current educational issues;
  • A strategic management approach and the business acumen to sustainably lead and manage a school community.
• An understanding of how to empower young women today and prepare them for an ever-changing future.
• A highly relational, visible, inclusive leadership style with the energy and desire to engage with staff and students; and earn the respect and trust of the wider College community.
• Postgraduate qualifications with a track record of ongoing personal and professional learning.

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 TS1511. 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

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our weekly email alerts.

The Selection Process

The timeline for this project is as follows:

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.
• 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 College schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference 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 employment history verification; National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Board Chair, 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.