Under the leadership of the Bishop of Cairns, James Foley, the Catholic Diocese of Cairns encompasses 377,000 km2 from Cardwell in the south, west to the Northern Territory Border including the Atherton Tablelands, and north to the Torres Strait Islands and Gulf of Carpentaria.
Catholic Education Services – Diocese of Cairns (CES), currently consists of twenty-nine schools which provide a quality education to almost 11,200 students. Cairns Catholic Education is partnering with James Cook University to open its 30th school in 2022. MacKillop Catholic College, Mount Peter, is a part of this System of schools.
The College was established in 2016 with 80 students in classes from Prep to Year 3. With a current enrolment of 503 students from Prep to YR 7, the College will continue to expand its offerings to a full P-12, with the first Year 12 group in 2025. It is anticipated the student numbers will grow to 1,600 as a full P-12 college.
Our College is named for St Mary of the Cross (MacKillop), Australia’s first saint. Mary MacKillop lived out her life as a disciple of Christ responding to the needs of others, particularly in the fields of education and social care. Our College values, themselves an expression of Gospel values, are inspired by Mary MacKillop’s life journey.
As a new school, inside and outside learning spaces have been purpose-designed to provide innovative, flexible environments to support contemporary inquiry/investigative pedagogies.
Further Information
You can access a range of information, including the Master Plan and new developments, at:
https://www.mackillopcatholiccollege.qld.edu.au/about-us
Additional information for Catholic Education Services can be viewed at address: https://www.cns.catholic.edu.au/
Position Overview
Position Title: Principal
Reports to: Director School Effectiveness through to the Executive Director
Position Context and Purpose
Leadership and strategic management of the system of schools is the responsibility of the Executive Director of Catholic Education. Cairns Catholic Education Service sets strategic directions and develops system priorities, policies, procedures and guidelines supporting effective, ethical and safe practices at Newman Catholic College. The Principal is the religious and educational leader of a Catholic school within the Diocese of Cairns.
A full Position Description will be provided at a later stage in the recruitment process.
Location
The College is located at 1 MacKillop Road, Mount Peter. This is situated within the growth corridor south of Cairns. Mount Peter is a 25-minute drive from central Cairns.
Commencement
The commencement date is negotiable but ideally the successful applicant will be able to start for the beginning of the 2021 school year.
Conditions of Employment
- Remuneration will be discussed as we progress through the process.
- Appointment: 5-year initial period contract; with an option for a further 5 years
- The appointee to this position will be required to complete a period of 6-month probation, in accordance with The Fair Work Act 2010
- A non-smoking policy is effective in Catholic Education Services buildings, offices, and motor vehicles.
- The Diocese has a relocation policy to assist, if required.
- Applicants will require a current “C” Class Drivers Licence
- 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 by accessing the web site of the Public Safety Business Agency at the following internet address: https://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- A commitment to the objectives, vision and ethos of Catholic Education.
- An active participant in and committed to the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
- Experience in primary or secondary school Leadership combined with skill in curriculum development and knowledge of contemporary education issues.
- A successful teaching career, including in religious education; and registered (or eligible to register) with the Queensland College of Teachers.
- Skills in interpersonal relationships and for building community; with a commitment to the pastoral care of members of the school community.
- Qualifications in Education and Religion with a personal focus on continual professional learning.
Are You Interested in This Opportunity?
If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1444. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number (mobile preferred).
If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our job alerts.
Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to 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 as follows:
| Date of project launch/advertising | By Tues 27th Oct. |
| Latest anticipated date for applications | Fri 13th Nov. |
| Review meeting & short listing | Week commencing Mon 16th Nov. |
| Anticipated date for client interviews | Week of Monday 23rd or 30th Nov. |
| Final references; academic documents obtained | Following client interviews |
| Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:
- Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for your confidential enquiries. They will also provide a range of additional information to allow you to explore how this opportunity 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 employers schedule.
- We expect to contact one work-related referee and a Catholic Priest referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Executive Director or his nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
- If you would like a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
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.
