Principal – St Philomena’s School, Moree NSW (K-10)

Are you seeking a role:

• Where you can have a meaningful impact in supporting the learning outcomes of a diverse student population, including for a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students?
• In a regional area where you can develop strong partnerships to foster community involvement and potentially transform the region’s educational landscape?
• That, as a K-10 school, offers professional growth for a primary school leader seeking exposure to secondary; or a secondary leader seeking exposure to primary education?

Introduction

The Diocese of Armidale covers a significant portion of the North West region of NSW.  Regina Menz is the Director of Schools for Armidale Catholic Schools (ACS) and is leading significant cultural change to continually improve student faith and learning outcomes.

The ACS 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, ACS supports school communities who provide learning for almost 6,000 students across the Diocese.

The Armidale system of schools is widely recognised for the ongoing professional support provided to all staff. They also have specific mentoring and development processes to support leaders and aspiring leaders. This is the ideal setting to ‘grow’ a career.

St Philomena’s School is a part of this System of 24 Catholic schools.

St Philomena’s School, Moree

St Philomena’s School is located in Moree and is part of the St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish.  The parish priest Father Vic Ignacio, and Assistant Priest Fr Juvi Coronel, are involved in the life of the school.

St Philomena’s Catholic School is a co-educational K-10 school. Since 1898 it has provided an opportunity for parents in the Moree district to have their children educated in the context of Catholic traditions. The school welcomes families from all religious backgrounds to be immersed in contemporary and quality opportunities for academic, cultural, religious, community and sporting experiences.

St Philomena’s School supports the learning of students from Kindergarten to Year 10. The student population is 326.

Living in Moree

Moree is a town in Moree Plains Shire in northern New South Wales. It is located on the banks of the Mehi River. The district is famous for its rich black soil plains and the diversity of agriculture. Located on both sides of the Mehi River, Moree has numerous attractive riverside parks and reserves. It is deservedly famous for its outstanding collection of Art Deco buildings which make the town centre particularly fascinating.

In the 2021 Australian census, there were 7,070 people registered in the town. Of these, nearly a quarter identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Moree has a hospital as well as a comprehensive range of modern health and allied community services.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the school website at https://stphilomenasmoree.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: 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; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role. The current leadership structure can be viewed by visiting the St Philomena’s School website.

Commencement

The start date for this position is negotiable, although it is anticipated that the new Principal will commence Term 1 2025.

Location

The school is located at 55 Boston St., Moree.

Conditions of Employment

• Depending upon experience, salary will likely range from $186,275 to $196,079; plus superannuation, relocation support, a motor vehicle and subsidised accommodation.
• The term of the initial contract is negotiable. Subsequent contract renewal is subject to a successful performance review.
• Applicants who are successful in gaining an interview will receive an interview travel allowance.
• 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.
• Leadership experience in a primary or secondary school; or an equivalent role in school system leadership.
• A leader with:
  • The capacity to inspire a team; collaboratively develop strategy and culture; and manage change.
  • The ability to clearly articulate a vision of learning and teaching.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills to ‘fit’ within a vibrant parish community.
• Prepared to embrace the Diocese of Armidale vision and strategies for developing a Professional Learning Community in a Catholic context aligned to the ACS Strategic Plan.
• Hold professional qualifications:
  • An undergraduate education degree and relevant postgraduate degree (Masters) qualifications in educational leadership, curriculum, theology or religious education or similar; and
  • Completion of appropriate post graduate 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.

If you are an aspiring educational leader, the Armidale Catholic school system has specific mentoring and development processes to support your career growth.

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 TS1533. 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 ACS 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 an online 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.
• Prior to shortlisting, all information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the 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 that 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.