Are you seeking:

• A school of a size (670 students) where you can know the staff, students and families and therefore be able to directly impact the learning for the students, which includes a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students?
• A leadership role in a regional city, known for a strong sense of community and of a size where it is easier to form close ties and participate actively in community life?
• A Diocese being now led by Bishop Michael Kennedy (installed in March 2023) with Steven Lemos as Head of Catholic Schools (appointed January 2023)?

Introduction

The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) for the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is responsible for the leadership, operation and management of schools which educate more than 20,000 students – comprising 44 primary schools, 11 secondary schools, one K–12 school, one flexible learning centre and one special school. St Clare’s High School in Taree is a part of this system of schools.

St Clare’s High School

St Clare’s is a coeducational high school catering for 670 students from Taree, Forster/Tuncurry, Wingham, Bulahdelah, Krambach/Nabiac and Gloucester parishes. It has a tradition of quality secondary education in the Manning/Great Lakes Region which was commenced in 1926, at Taree, by the Sisters of St Joseph.

Living in the Taree Region

With a population of approx. 25,000, Taree is situated on the Sydney-Brisbane rail line and the Pacific Highway, 130 km from Newcastle, and has a small regional airport. It is the principal city of the Manning River district, situated along the beautiful Manning River.  It is surrounded by wonderful towns such as Gloucester (1 hour), Foster-Tuncurry (35 minutes), Harrington (30 minutes) and Old Bar (15 minutes.).

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the St Clare’s website located at: https://www.tareesc.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 video or audio recordings.

Position Overview

Position Title: Principal

Reports to: Director of Schools

Position Purpose

The Principal will lead across the school community to:

• Model faith in action.
• Develop and shape a shared vision focused on providing quality educational experiences and learning outcomes for all students.
• Nurture positive relationships between students, teachers, and all other stakeholders.
• Support and monitor the learning and growth of effective teachers.
• Set high standards for students and staff performance.

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided documents including a full position description; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

School Structure

St Clare’s is widely recognised for having a talented and dedicated staff. Reporting to the Principal is a Leader of Learning; Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement; Ministry Coordinator; and an Administration Coordinator.

Reason for Vacancy

The prior principal retired at the end of 2023 and an interim appointment was made for the 2024 school year.

Commencement

It is anticipated the successful person will be able to commence for the start of the 2025 school year.

Location

The school is located in Davis Street, Taree.

Conditions of Employment

• Depending upon experience, salary for an accomplished principal will likely range from $212,966 to $218,662 plus superannuation and accommodation support.
• This is a permanent appointment. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check and ensure compliance with our safeguarding policies, the Diocesan Safeguarding Commitment Statement, and the Codes of Conduct.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• A practising Catholic, active in the life of a Eucharistic community.
• Experience as a successful secondary school leader, or an equivalent role in school system leadership. This success will be evidenced by the ability to:
  • Model faith in action across a school community.
  • Articulate and create a shared improvement agenda that aligns with system priorities.
  • Innovatively optimise school resources.
  • Effectively analyse and respond to student data on Catholic identity, academic performance, behaviour, and wellbeing to enhance learning outcomes.
• The interpersonal and communication skills to build strong trusting relationships with students, staff and families.
• Committed to supporting the learning for diverse communities, especially the poor and marginalised.
• 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 within four years of appointment.
• 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 TS1544. 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 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 an online interview in circumstances where a person is unable to visit 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 the shortlisting process, information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Head of Catholic Schools, or his nominee, unless you instruct 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.
• 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.