Principal – St Nicholas Primary School, Tamworth, NSW

Project dates extended

The Diocese of Armidale is led by Bishop Michael Kennedy and covers a significant portion of North Western NSW. It is the second largest diocese by area in New South Wales.

The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) in the Diocese of Armidale administers 24 Catholic schools, comprising 19 primary, two central and three secondary schools. The Director, Mr Chris Smyth, is directly responsible to the Bishop through the Bishop’s Commission for Catholic Schools.

Catholic education in the Diocese of Armidale is going through a period of significant change, as articulated in their Strategic Improvement Plan 2016 – 2018.  The CSO is more sharply focussing their efforts to support schools in their planning for school improvement.

School Profile

St Nicholas School is a Catholic Parish school of approximately 545 students ranging from Kindergarten to Year 6. The School was established in 1876 and has a long tradition of academic, sporting and cultural activities. Music, Choir, Dance and Debating have always been an enjoyable part of our curriculum. Information Technology is an essential part of the curriculum, and we also provide a multicultural focus through curriculum units and visiting educators.

In August 2017 the school completed Stage 2 of the building project that has dramatically enhanced the school’s infrastructure, aesthetics and pedagogical practice. Over the 2 stages the school has seen the establishment of 15 flexible learning spaces, 4 seminar rooms, a new library, new toilet facilities, upgrades to the school’s sporting and play areas as well as the beautification of the school grounds.

This project has seen the school move into a 21st Century educational environment with the latest computer technologies and collaborative teaching practice and pedagogy. We strive to develop a Catholic Professional Learning Community that focuses on learning for all in the school community, collaboration between all stakeholders, a culture of continuous improvement and results orientation within the framework of our Catholic faith. The school invests heavily in the professional development of teachers and staff so as to ensure that we keep abreast of the latest teaching practices and ideas.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed on the St Nicholas website located at:  https://stnicholastamworth.catholic.edu.au/

Position Overview

Position Title: Principal

Purpose of the Position

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

Statement of Responsibility

The Principal provides leadership and exercises prudential stewardship of the Catholic School. The Principal is ultimately responsible for the Catholic identity and ethos, curriculum and effective management of the school.

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; and
• Catholic Schools Office, Armidale Strategic Directions.

Professional Practices

Leading Mission and Evangelisation

Leadership in the area of Mission and Evangelisation is provided through Christian witness, active participation in a parish, fostering the religious life of the school, promotion of Gospel values and the provision of quality Religious Education.

Leading Teaching and Learning

High quality teaching and learning is developed, implemented and monitored.

Developing Self and Others

Through supporting others and building capacity, a Catholic professional learning community is developed that is focused on continuous improvement of teaching and learning.

Leading Improvement, Innovation and Change

The Vision, Mission and strategic goals of the school are developed, articulated and aligned with School Review and Improvement outcomes and Diocesan strategic goals and initiatives.

Leading the Management of the School

Processes to manage the human, physical and financial resources are developed and maintained to support the effective delivery of educational programs.

Engaging and Working with the Community

Appropriate relationships are fostered and developed with the school staff, students, Parents and Friends Association, School Advisory Board, Parents, Clergy, the Parish, the Catholic education community and the wider community.

Commencement Date

It is anticipated the successful person will be able to commence for the start of the 2019 school year.

Location

The school is located at 143-149 Carthage Street, Tamworth NSW

Conditions of Employment

• The contract is for an initial two-year period and may be renewed for a further four-year period, depending upon satisfactory performance.
• Salary $161,476 to $169,975 gross pa (effective Jan 2019).
• Terms and conditions as per NSW and SCT Catholic Systemic Schools Principals Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2017, as amend or replaced.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria determines whether or not a person is able to be considered for the position of Principal:

• Committed, practising Catholic;
• Hold professional qualifications:
  • An education degree and/or relevant post graduate qualification
  • Possess or demonstrated 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.
• Have successful teaching experience;
• Be a NESA accredited or be eligible to be accredited by NESA to teach in NSW;
• Successful experience as a Principal, Acting Principal, Assistant Principal or REC and/or equivalent role in school system leadership;
• Possess a Working with Children Check.

Selection Criteria

Eligible applicants are expected to demonstrate the capacity to provide successful Catholic educational leadership through:

• Ability to lead mission and evangelisation in a Catholic school;
• Successful teaching and/or leadership experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice;
• Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student pastoral care with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs;
• Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams;
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents;
• Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning.

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 TS1389. 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 Nicholas Principal TS1389’; 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:

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. 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.
• 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 Priest 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 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.