Principal – St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Mount Isa, QLD

Are you seeking:

• the opportunity to lead a welcoming Catholic primary school grounded in the Josephite tradition?
• a community where your leadership can make a visible and lasting difference?
• a rewarding outback lifestyle, with accommodation and relocation assistance available?

Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) supports 29 schools within the Diocese, located throughout a diverse region of North Queensland, extending west to Mount Isa, south to Proserpine, and north to Ingham.

St Joseph’s Catholic School is part of the system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Townsville.

Located in the heart of Mount Isa, St Joseph’s has 200 students and is a welcoming Prep–Year 6 co-educational primary school with a proud history dating back to 1932.

Inspired by the spirituality of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the enduring Josephite tradition, the school is recognised for its strong sense of faith, community and academic excellence.

Following a significant redevelopment completed in 2024, St Joseph’s offers contemporary learning environments where students and staff are empowered to love, learn and serve.

Living in Mount Isa

Mount Isa offers a distinctive combination of professional opportunity, community connection and an authentic outback lifestyle. With a population of nearly 20,000, Mount Isa is the major regional centre for north-west Queensland, providing strong educational, health, sporting and community facilities, affordable living and the convenience of short commutes.

For an educator, it is also a place where your leadership can be highly valued and where you can make a meaningful and lasting difference to students, families and the wider community.

Further Information

Further information is available from https://www.sjmtsv.catholic.edu.au/ and https://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/

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Position Overview

Position Title: Principal

Reports to: Education Consultant

Position Purpose

The purpose of the Principal in Catholic education is, first and foremost, to serve as a faith-filled educational leader, called to lead the evangelising mission of the Church through Catholic schooling. The Principal acts as the chief educator, faith witness, and formation leader.

It is a function of the Principal to provide leadership to all employees – ‘managing the school of today, but conscious of the needs of tomorrow’, to guide the educational direction, theological development, and holistic human flourishing of the school community.

The Principal will ensure effective leadership that facilitates sound planning, financial sustainability, support, and evaluation, and that defines clear delegation, rigorous budget management, and allocation of operational responsibilities.

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided a full position description. You will also be briefed on the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Relationships

In matters relating to the day-to-day performance, professional development, and appraisal of the role, this position reports directly to the Education Consultant, who acts as a primary support and professional growth partner. Under systemic and employer governance frameworks, the employer’s ultimate delegate is the Executive Director.

Important consultative, collaborative, and directive relationships also exist with the local Parish Priest, and with the senior management personnel, school boards, and committees within Townsville Catholic Education.

Commencement

While negotiable, it is anticipated that 11^th January 2027 will be the commencement date.

Location and Travel

St Joseph’s Catholic School is in Mount Isa, approximately 900 kilometres west of Townsville. The Principal will be required to engage with Townsville Catholic Education and travel within the Diocese from time to time.

Conditions of Employment

• The salary is $175,567 plus superannuation at 12.75%
• 5% leave loading and salary packaging options
• Accommodation support is available, with two options
• Relocation assistance is available, if required
• The standard 6-month probation period applies
• Applicants will require a current Driver Licence, with the willingness and capacity to travel within the Diocese
• The successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check. We will also conduct criminal history and bankruptcy checks

Selection Criteria

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

• Committed to the Catholic faith and an active member of a Catholic Eucharistic community.
• Leadership experience in Catholic education (primary or secondary), evidenced by:
  • The ability to develop and mentor others within a professional learning culture.
  • Knowledge of contemporary pedagogy, curriculum design and student wellbeing strategies.
  • The ability to lead continuous improvement and innovation, using data-informed practice to strengthen teaching, learning and student outcomes.
  • The capacity to inspire excellence and model inclusive, values-driven leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills with the ability to articulate school goals and directions objectively to all stakeholders.
• Appropriate tertiary qualifications, registration or eligibility for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers, and accreditation to teach Religious Education in a Catholic school.

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 TS1595-87. 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 Lauren Minter (0421 364 240), 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 TCE schedule.
• We expect to complete one work-related reference and one faith-based reference with a Catholic priest or religious prior to shortlisting. A further work-related reference will normally be undertaken between shortlisting and interview, with any remaining references completed during the final stages of the process. No referee will be contacted without your express consent.
• While a face-to-face meeting is preferred, the selection committee will provide an option of an online interview in circumstances where a person is unable to visit for the initial meeting.
• Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
• Prior to shortlisting, information provided to Trak Search will be made available in confidence to the Executive Director and designated TCE representatives, 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.