St Edward’s Primary School is one of the schools in the Diocese of Armidale which is building a Professional Learning Community in a Catholic context as a vehicle for school improvement. The schools are in a period of significant change, as articulated in their Strategic Improvement Plan 2019 – 2021.  Examples include the use of action learning, data walls and instructional rounds to build a teacher professional learning model that is site based and strongly related to the importance of the principal as an instructional leader.

St Edward’s Primary School is one of 24 Catholic schools administered by the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) on behalf of the Bishop of Armidale. The Director, Mr Chris Smyth, is directly responsible to the Bishop through the Bishop’s Commission for Catholic Schools.

St Edward’s Primary School

St Edward’s Primary School, part of the CSO System of schools, is located in Tamworth and serves the St Edward’s Parish. The parish priest is Fr Paul Anthony Aguillar and he is involved in the life of the school.

St Edward’s is a large K-6 school that has grown to 561 students. This year marks its 66^th year of operation.

Tamworth NSW

With a population of over 60,000, Tamworth was named the “perfect country town” by Australian Traveller magazine. Tamworth provides the best of both worlds – the ease of a country lifestyle and the convenience of city facilities.

Tamworth is cool in winter and pleasantly hot in summer, a place where you can choose your pace – take a rest or feel the rhythm.

You’ll discover unique experiences, rich landscapes and world-class events year-round, including the largest country music festival in the southern hemisphere, a festival celebrating our enviable local produce and a festival celebrating cultural diversity.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the school website located at https://stedwardstamworth.catholic.edu.au/

Position Overview

Position Title: Principal

Position Purpose

The Principal is the religious, organisational and Instructional Leader of a Catholic School within the Diocese of Armidale.

Statement of Responsibility

The Principal provides Instructional Leadership and exercises prudential stewardship of the Catholic School. The Principal is ultimately responsible for the Catholic identity and ethos, curriculum delivery and effective management of the school within a Catholic Professional Learning Community.

The leadership and direction provided by the Principal will be consistent with:

• the message of Jesus and the Gospels.
• Catholic church teachings, principles and values.
• diocesan policies and directives.
• Catholic Schools Office, Armidale Mission Statement.
• Catholic Schools Office, Armidale policies and practices.
• Catholic Schools Office, Armidale Strategic Directions.

The Principal will:

• contribute to the ongoing development of a Catholic community based on our Catholic Principles and Values, and commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church in Australia.
• articulate a vision for system improvement based on a sound understanding of what it means to be a Catholic Professional Learning Community, our Catholic Core Principles and Values, and the CSO “Non-negotiables”.
• ensure the strategic analysis and use of system and school data sets to lead the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the strategic direction of the school, aligned to the System initiatives and the school AIP.
• lead and support site-based action learning to enhance the professional learning of teachers.
• demonstrate strong relational and collaborative leadership skills that inspire high expectations for improving system and school performance through a sound change management approach.
• demonstrate a deep understanding of contemporary learning and teaching, and academic pastoral care.
• demonstrate the capacity to be a strong strategic and instructional leader that uses research, evidence of impact and past achievements to support and challenge school improvement.
• demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through current professional learning and academic qualifications.

Commencement

It is anticipated the new Principal will commence for the start of the 2020 school year.

Location

Spanning two sites, St Edward’s Primary Campus is located on Hillvue Rd, South Tamworth; the Infants Campus is located on Roberts St, South Tamworth.

Conditions of Employment

• Salary and Conditions will be discussed as we progress through this recruitment project
• An initial contract will be offered for a period of two (2) years. Subsequent contract renewal subject to successful performance review.
• Under normal circumstances, at least 10 school term weeks’ notice is required by either party to terminate employment.
• Applicants who are successful in gaining an interview will receive an interview travel allowance.
• Relocation allowance (if required) will be provided for the successful applicant.
• The successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check.

Selection Criteria

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

• A committed, practising Catholic.
• Successful experience as a Principal, Acting Principal, Assistant Principal or REC and/or equivalent role in school system leadership.
• Contemporary experience as an Instructional Leader with a high degree of knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student pastoral care; with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs in a contemporary learning environment.
• Hold professional qualifications:
  • An education degree and/or relevant post graduate qualification; and
  • Possess or demonstrate a willingness to obtain Religious Education qualifications in accordance with the Diocesan Policy in order to meet the Diocesan requirements to lead in a Catholic school.
• Be NESA accredited or be eligible to be accredited by NESA to teach in NSW.

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 TS1416. 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 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

New dates are 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 confidential discussions and to provide information to allow you to explore this opportunity and determine your interest in the role.
• A range of additional information will be provided to you as we progress through this process.
• At the outset you will not be required to: complete an application form; provide a lengthy document to address the selection criteria; or supply referee details. However, you will be invited to supply us with additional information (verbally and in writing) as you progress through the process.
• A late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the schedule.
• At the appropriate time we will seek written consent to speak with referees – listing referees on your resume does not signify consent to do so.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee and a Catholic Priest as a referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.  You should always expect that before reaching the final stage of the project, we will ask to speak with at least one person who has: directly managed you; recently; and for a significant period of time.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Director or his 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.