St Teresa’s Abergowrie College is a secondary boarding school for boys and a part of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Townsville. It is located in the Herbert Valley 35km north-west of Ingham. The student population, currently 230, comes from the Torres Strait Islands, Gulf Communities, the Northern Territory, urbanised centres such as Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane, and Papua New Guinea.
The value of family life and the special needs of Australia’s rural community is respected and understood. Moreover, cultural diversity and the complex needs of Indigenous peoples are valued and embraced. The residential life is structured to support the educational programme of the College with our residential life providing routines, programs and activities that strive to develop our students spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically.
These developments are encouraged within an environment that values communal life based on tolerance, empathy and understanding. Outside of the school and boarding structure, the College has a strong pedigree in outstanding sporting achievements, including Rugby League, Touch Football and Athletics.
St Teresa’s is not just a school; it is an environment that through numerous opportunities in a diverse range of areas, enables each student to reach their full potential not only as individuals but as valued members of society.
The Mission of St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie
St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie strives to:
- create a home away from home and purposely build an inclusive, safe, life giving environment.
- create an Abergowrie family where the spirit of Jesus Christ is joyfully embraced and evidenced.
- create a learning environment that is relevant, appropriate and authentic to the needs of all students, in line with Townsville Catholic Education Office curriculum guidelines.
- create effective programmes that innovatively engage students to grow into successful, good men.
- create an environment of outreach within the College, drawing on the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.
Position Purpose
The Director of Boarding is responsible for all College boarding matters affecting the residential life of the students. The Director of Boarding will ensure that the Mission Statement of St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie, is the guiding principle of residential life. The role holder is responsible to develop and monitor a philosophy of residential life that will contribute to the faith development of the students.
Working Relationships
The Director of Boarding reports directly to the Principal. The Director of Boarding is a member of the College Leadership Team and will work with all other members (Principal, DP Pastoral & Administration, AP Learning & Teaching, AP Religious Education) to ensure the positive academic, recreational, spiritual and physical development of the boys at the College.
This role manages a team of 30 people.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities cover the following dimensions:
- Students
- Staff
- Parents
- Marketing and promotions
- Facilities /Resources
A detailed position description will be provided later in the process.
Commencement Date
January 2019
Conditions of Employment
- Base salary of $118,821 – $130,908
- Up to 12.75% superannuation (with employee and employer contributions)
- Support in sourcing appropriate accommodation and assistance with rent (up to 50% subsidy) and a $200 annual contribution towards electricity costs. Accommodation would be suitable for a single person or a married couple or a family
- Initial 5-year contract with renewal subject to performance
- Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
- The Working with Children (Risk Management & Screening) Act 2000 requires the preferred applicant to be 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
It is anticipated that people interested in this role will be able to demonstrate:
- Commitment to the Catholic faith;
- Previous experience:
- in a boarding or residential environment; and
- supervising staff
- A desire and the capacity to ensure a successful experience for the students and staff of the College;
- An affinity with rural and regional Australia;
- Relevant qualifications.
It is preferred (but not essential) that the Director of Boarding is a registered teacher.
Are You Interested in This Opportunity?
If you are interested in this role, then simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email us at jobs@traksearch.com stating your interest and nominating ref number TS1390. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number.
At this stage we do NOT ask you to address the selection criteria or provide an application document – just complete the panel on this page or send a brief email to Trak Search to indicate your interest in ‘St Teresa’s College TS1390’; and providing your brief resume and contact telephone number.
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 job alert.
Any questions can be directed to either (a) our Director John Chesher by telephone (0417 068 220) or (b) email our office via jobs@traksearch.com. The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.
The Selection Process
Key dates are as follows:
| Date of project launch/advertising | Wed 17th Oct |
| Latest anticipated date for applications | Monday 5th Nov |
| Trak Search provides applications to TCEO | Week commencing Mon 12th Nov |
| TCEO shortlisting | Week commencing Mon 12th Nov |
| Anticipated date for client interviews | Week of Monday 19th or 26th Nov |
Significant aspects of this project include:
- At the outset you will not be required to: complete an application form; provide a lengthy, comprehensive document to address the selection criteria; or supply referee details.
- Trak Search will arrange to have a brief telephone conversation with people interested in this role. At this time additional information will also be provided to you.
- A late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the schedule. Please be aware however that any application received after close of business on the date noted above is more likely to be returned to you.
- Early in the week of Monday 12th November all resumes will be forwarded to TCEO and their shortlisting will occur soon after. You will be advised when this has occurred.
- From that time all contact regarding this role (including invitations to interview and unsuccessful advice) will occur directly between applicants and TCEO, with Trak Search not involved.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Executive Director or her nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
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.
