Catholic Education in the Diocese of Cairns is a dynamic and growing organisation that is actively inviting leaders to co-create schools that are places of rich learning for now and into the 22nd Century.
Our vision is to offer every student in every school a world class education enriched by their lived encounter with the Catholic Faith. Cairns Catholic Education Services (CES) is committed to this vision through co-Leadership with schools to build communities of learning that provide a safe, nurturing and academically challenging environment.
Due to its size and diversity, leaders have access to a wide range of professional opportunities and our leaders are already engaged in, and in some cases leading, national and international forums.
Cairns CES embraces 30 schools including 20 primary schools, 2 Prep to Year 12 colleges and 8 secondary colleges. This community also includes CES located in Cairns itself. Future schools are planned over the next five years. In total, there are 11 500 students and 1500 staff. St Monica’s College is a part of this community of schools.
St Monica’s College
St. Monica’s College a Catholic Secondary Day and Boarding College for young women. Educating students since 1890, it is the oldest school in Cairns, with a rich heritage and Mercy traditions.
During the last few years, the College has undertaken a significant building project to complement its two heritage buildings. The College is the only all-female school in the Cairns region. It has an enrolment of over 700 students. Year levels 7 to 12 are offered, with both day and boarding options.
Living in Cairns
With a population of over 160,000 Cairns offers many lifestyle opportunities that can be found in few other places. Cairns is surrounded by World Heritage listed areas including the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, all within an hour’s journey from the growing city of Cairns. It is the gateway to our Asian neighbours with direct flights to China, Japan and Singapore as well as direct flights to all the east coast capital cities, Darwin, and Queensland’s Sunshine and Gold Coasts. Find out more about living in Cairns by accessing video here.
Further Information
Additional information can be viewed by visiting the College website located at https://www.stmonicas.qld.edu.au/principals_welcome/
The CES website can be found at https://www.cns.catholic.edu.au/
We acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Australia, the traditional custodians of the land, seas, skies and waterways on which we reside, work, travel and meet. We pay our respect to First Nations elders past, present, and emerging, and support the Uluru Statement From The Heart.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, video or audio recordings.
Position Overview
Position Title: Principal
Reports to: Director School Effectiveness through to the Executive Director
Position Purpose
As faith leader, the Catholic school principal models faith in action, leading the school community to enact a shared vision that focuses on the provision of a high-quality Catholic education for all students.
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
Internal
- Parish Priest
- School Leadership Team
- School Staff
- Students
- CES Personnel
- Diocesan Principals and Leadership Teams
- St Augustine’s College – collaboration for Boarding
- Parents/Carers
- Parish and Local Community
External
- Queensland College of Teachers
- Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority
An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.
Reason for Vacancy
After nearly 8 years as principal, Edna Galvin is moving into retirement at the end of Term 2 (23rd June 2023).
Commencement
The commencement date is negotiable; however, it is anticipated to be no later than for the start of term 1 2024.
Location
The College is situated at 177 Abbott Street. This is in the central business district of Cairns, one block from the Cairns Esplanade.
Conditions of Employment
- The remuneration package (which includes salary packaging options) will be discussed as we move through this process. Remuneration is in accordance with the Diocese of Cairns, Catholic Education Principal’s Agreement.
- The Diocese has a relocation policy to assist, if required.
- Professional development and renewal.
- Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service. Portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable.
- Initially, a fixed term contract for 6 years. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
- Applicants will require a current Drivers Licence.
- A non-smoking policy is effective in Catholic Education Services buildings, offices, and motor vehicles.
- Registered (or eligible to register) with the Queensland College of Teachers.
- Queensland’s Working With Children Check is regulated by 2 pieces of legislation: the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Regulation 2020. Prior to appointment, the preferred person is subject to “working with children check” as part of the employment screening process. Further details regarding this check may be obtained at https://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- A commitment to the vision and ethos of Catholic Education, combined with the desire and capacity to learn and promote Mercy traditions into the life of the College.
- An active participant in and committed to the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
- Experience in secondary or primary school Leadership (or equivalent Office role), with knowledge of contemporary education issues.
- A strong, contemporary leader of learning, with the capacity to lead change and demonstrate contemporary pedagogy that focuses on improving student learning.
- A successful teaching career and registered (or eligible to register) with the Queensland College of Teachers.
- Skills in interpersonal relationships and for building community; with a commitment to the pastoral care of members of the school community.
- Professional qualifications in Education and Religion as per Queensland Catholic Education Commission Position Statement for Senior Leadership Positions in Catholic Schools in Queensland
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 TS1514. 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:
| Date of project launch/advertising | By Friday 9th June |
| Latest date for applications | Wed. 28th June |
| Selection committee short listing | During week commencing Mon 3rd July |
| Anticipated date for CES interviews | Either week of Monday 17th or Monday 24th 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.
- 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 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 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 Executive Director or his nominee, unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
- For more information on our process click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
- 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.
