The Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) provides a diverse range of educational options, from primary schools in small rural communities to large secondary schools. More than 9500 students attend 33 Catholic schools in the diocese, enjoying high educational standards in contemporary, Christ-centred learning environments.
In partnership with parents and parishes, our schools nurture a relationship with Jesus, educate for academic excellence and prepare students for lifelong service in a faith-centred community. Holy Family Primary School is a part of this system of 33 Catholic schools.
Holy Family Primary School, Kelso (Bathurst)
Holy Family Catholic Primary School is a co-educational Kindergarten to Year 6 Catholic primary school in the Cathedral Parish of St Michael & John, Bathurst. The school was opened in 1979 under the care of the Sisters of Mercy.
It is located in Kelso, a suburb of Bathurst. With a student population of 401, the school is under-going significant growth. It recently completed substantial capital works to support the expansion program and enrolment demand.
As a part of CEDB, the school is a Professional Learning Community – watch a video to discover what this means in the CEDB context by clicking here.
Living in Bathurst
With a growing population of more than 40,000, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland city. It is less than a three-hour drive from Sydney, with great facilities, an affordable lifestyle, and a thriving social scene. This is all wrapped up among the city’s heritage buildings and rich history. Locals enjoy the best of country life with all the conveniences and facilities of city living.
Bathurst is a regional education centre with many schools and a University (CSU). You’ll find everything you need in a city, including a state-of-the-art public hospital.
Further Information
Additional information can be viewed by visiting the school’s website located at https://holyfamilykelso.schoolzineplus.com/
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
Responsible to: Executive Director of Schools
Position Purpose
The Catholic school principal serves as a Christ-centred leader who models the principles of our Quality Catholic Education framework.
The principal leads across the school community to form the school as a centre of faith, inclusion and missionary discipleship. They nurture and enhance the school as a professional learning community that is committed to high levels of learning for all.
The Principal has responsibility for supporting and monitoring the learning and growth of committed teachers and setting high standards for students and staff performance, enabling all to make a positive contribution to the world. Based on high levels of relational trust, the principal ensures mutual respect and positive, professional and caring relationships.
The principal prioritises equity and sustainability in applying the resources to build a high performing school consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. In all professional areas, the Principal is responsible to the Executive Director of Schools.
As the Principal Leader of the school, the Principal promotes the vision and mission of Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst through Religious, Educational and Enabling Leadership.
At a later stage in this project, you will be provided a full position description; the school organisation chart; and the success criteria/priorities for the first 12 months in the role.
Reason for Vacancy
After 30 years of outstanding leadership, Mr Kevin Arrow is retiring at the end of the 2023 school year.
Commencement
It is anticipated the successful person will commence in January 2024, in preparation for the new school year.
Location
The school is situated in French-Smith Place, Kelso, which is a suburb in Bathurst.
Conditions of Employment
- Salary: Paid in accordance with the NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Principals Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2020. The current salary range: $172,000 – $181,555
- Superannuation: 11% that is paid in addition to the salary.
- Salary packaging is available.
- Tenure: the initial appointment is for 3 years. Subject to satisfactory performance reviews, renewal periods of up to 4 years will apply.
- Relocation and subsidised accommodation assistance may be provided where required.
- The successful candidate will hold (or be able to obtain) appropriate NESA accreditation.
- Meet the requirements of (Category E) in the Accreditation Policy to Work Teach and Lead in Catholic Education Bathurst Diocese – click here
- 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 Executive Director of Schools invites expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- A committed and practising Catholic who can articulate and promote a deep understanding of the mission of Catholic education.
- Has built a career in primary school education with leadership experience.
- A strong, contemporary leader of learning, with the capacity to lead change and demonstrate contemporary pedagogy that focuses on improving student learning.
- High level interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective change agent.
- Holds or is pursuing a Masters or Postgraduate Qualification in Education, Leadership, Theology or equivalent.
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 TS1525. 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 Tuesday 8th August |
| Latest date for applications | Friday 25th August |
| Selection committee short listing | Early in week commencing Mon 11th Sept. |
| Anticipated date for CEDB interviews | Week of Mon 18th Sept. &/or week of Mon 9th Oct. |
| Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.
- The above schedule is much longer than usual. The two options for CEDB interviews are to ensure that people are not disadvantaged or discouraged by the term break.
- 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 CEDB 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.
- 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 her 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.
