Our Lady of Mercy College is a leading Christ-centred Catholic independent girls school founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1889 on the Mercy Charism.

Our community is committed to excellence in education, respect for the dignity of each individual and the development of a strong sense of justice and social responsibility. We value the development of each individual as a learner, leader and teacher. We are a welcoming community, inspired by the pursuit for excellence, we foster ‘next’ practice pedagogy, continually expanding beyond what we know we can be.

For 115 years, the leadership of OLMC was in the hands of seven successive Sisters of Mercy. This enabled the development of the strong Mercy heritage, traditions and values that remain such a vibrant part of the school mission and community today.

In 2002 OLMC was incorporated and its governance entrusted to a Board of Directors, chaired firstly by Ms Geraldine Starr and now by Ms Kerrie Walshaw.  Mrs Kitty Guerin was appointed as the first lay Principal in 2004, succeeded by Mr Stephen Walsh in 2014.

The vision today is to provide a contemporary Mercy Education that empowers young women to lead with courage and act justly, making a difference in whatever sphere of life they choose to move, in the spirit of the Venerable Catherine McAuley the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

With total staff of 132, OLMC’s current enrolment is approx. 1,050 girls across Years 7-12. OLMC is a non-selective Catholic school and accepts students from across the academic spectrum and aims to provide an education to meet the needs of all students.

OLMC values the contribution made by its students, staff, parents and the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, the Board, ex-students and other groups who assist in building the College as a centre of educational excellence in the Mercy tradition.

Further Information

A range of additional information, including the Mercy values which underpin College life, can be viewed by visiting the OLMC website located at  https://www.olmc.nsw.edu.au/

Position Overview

Position Title:    Principal

Reports to:          College Board

Position purpose

The Principal, in keeping with the philosophy of the College, leads in such a way to ensure that all activities, policies, programs and structures within the College actively promote the Catholic ethos within the tradition of a Mercy education and provides opportunities for faith, mercy and service to flourish.

The Principal is responsible and accountable for fostering the development of the students at OLMC providing a holistic education of the highest standards. As the OLMC leader, the Principal will inspire students, staff and members of the community to engage and actively participate in challenging intellectual, academic and co-curricular pursuits.

The Principal is responsible and accountable to the College Board.

A detailed Role Description as well as a College Organisational Chart will be provided as we step through this process.

Key challenges

• Leading OLMC in an environment of constant change, including learning environments, technology and pedagogy and economic uncertainty.
• The ongoing changing demands on curriculum with the implementation of the recommendations of the NSW curriculum review and broader changes across the three tiers of education.
• Maintaining the Catholic base of the College.
• Attracting, developing and maintaining a quality highly skilled and motivated workforce.
• Increased competition for enrolments with the construction of new Catholic high schools in our region.
• Developing a school that is renowned for the melding of the Mercy values and providing an academic and vocational education that develops well rounded, resilient and adaptable young women who are ‘future’ ready for a rapidly changing world.
• Becoming a successful curriculum leader that sees OLMC consistently in the top group of NSW schools and the leading Catholic independent girls’ school in the area.
• Being known as a centre for creative, innovative and inclusive learning.
• Fostering a co-curricular program, highly relevant to an urban campus, that builds self-esteem, provides cultural experiences, develops a range of skills including leadership and gives back to the community.
• Recognised as an Employer of Choice with a centre of excellence for professional learning.
• Building a stronger more integrated OLMC community.
• Completing the 2018-28 Masterplan on time and on budget.

Commencement

It is anticipated the new Principal will be able to commence for the start of term 1, 2021.

Location

The College is located on Victoria Road North Parramatta, in the leafy fringe of Parramatta’s vibrant CBD. The College is a keystone of Parramatta’s Catholic precinct: it is a foundational building in this important historic and religious precinct.

Conditions of Employment

• The details and terms and conditions of appointment are contained in the contract of employment which will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• The Principal will be appointed for an initial contract period of five years, with the usual 6-month probation period.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Before appointment, an applicant must complete a “Working With Children Check” through the Office of the Children’s Guardian – please visit https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check

Selection Criteria

We anticipate that people interested in this role will be able to demonstrate:

• A personal commitment to the teachings & practice of the Catholic Faith.
• The desire and capacity to carry forward the Mercy tradition at OLMC.
• Leadership experience in secondary education combined with exposure to wider educational forums.
• A vision for education together with change management and project management skills to deliver innovative outcomes for the OLMC community.
• An understanding of how to empower young women today and prepare them for an ever-changing future.
• A highly relational leadership style with a desire to engage with people and build cohesive relationships.
• Postgraduate qualifications with a track record of ongoing personal and 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 TS1435. 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:

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 (AEST) on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the OLMC schedule.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee and a Catholic Religious 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 College Chair or her 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.