Primary Principal

St Francis of the Fields offers an exceptional opportunity for an educational leader to guide a large and highly connected Catholic primary community in one of Bendigo’s growing communities.

St Francis of the Fields has developed a strong identity centred on faith, learning and partnership, creating an environment where students are supported to grow academically, spiritually and personally.

With a thriving community of more than 600 students, supported by a dedicated team of educators and staff, the school provides the successful Principal with the opportunity to lead at scale while maintaining the personal connection that defines Catholic education.

View the St Francis of the Fields principal prospectus here.

About St Francis of the Fields

St Francis of the Fields is a Catholic primary school where students are encouraged to live, learn and grow in God’s love. The school’s size, diversity and community confidence create a leadership opportunity of genuine scale.

Families are drawn to St Francis of the Fields because of its welcoming environment, strong sense of belonging and commitment to providing quality learning experiences for every child.

The school’s dedicated staff bring expertise, passion and commitment to their work, supported by specialist learning opportunities and facilities designed to support contemporary education.

For the incoming Principal, this is an opportunity to lead a school with strong foundations, an engaged community and the capacity to continue evolving in response to the needs of future generations.

About Strathfieldsaye

Strathfieldsaye offers an opportunity to become part of a welcoming and connected regional community.

Located near Bendigo, Strathfieldsaye provides the benefits of regional living alongside access to the cultural, educational and recreational opportunities of a major regional centre.

The community continues to experience growth and development, creating an environment where strong leadership can make a visible and lasting contribution.

Who this opportunity will suit:

A leadership opportunity for...

Experienced Principals

For an experienced Principal, this appointment offers the opportunity to bring your leadership expertise to a significant Catholic primary community where your influence will be deeply valued.

You will have the opportunity to guide a talented team, strengthen practice and contribute to the ongoing development of a respected school community.

Emerging Principals

For a Deputy Principal or aspiring school leader, this opportunity provides the chance to step into Principalship within a supportive system committed to leadership formation, collaboration and professional growth.

You will be supported by Catholic Education Sandhurst and a network of experienced leaders who believe leadership is strengthened through connection, reflection and shared learning.

About You

You are a relational and innovative educator, grounded in faith and committed to Catholic education. You bring:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a Catholic school setting
• Strong communication, team-building and strategic leadership capabilities
• Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or Lead in a Catholic School
• Registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (or eligibility to register)
• A Master’s degree in education or related field (or commitment to commence)

Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL)

In Catholic Education Sandhurst, you’ll find a network of 51 schools and six Early Learning Centres in large regional centres like Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga, and in smaller communities where making people feel welcome is our specialty.

We are committed to working in partnership with leaders, students and families, providing innovation and excellence; inspired by the Catholic story. Our motto is ‘Every Student, Every Teacher, Every School, Every Day’.

About Magnify Sandhurst

In 2025, in an Australian first, a comprehensive and exciting new learning and teaching program was simultaneously launched across 51 Catholic schools in the Sandhurst Diocese. Magnify Sandhurst is a comprehensive program designed to bring measurable improvements in every school. With explicit teaching practices based on the Science of Learning, the Magnify Sandhurst program combines evidence-based pedagogy, a strong behaviour curriculum and the ongoing professional development of our staff to support each student's unique needs, strengths and goals. It’s an exciting time to be in Catholic Education!

Diversity, Inclusion and Child Safety

CESL embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children.

For application assistance, please review our application guide here.

Applications are invited from educational leaders who are ready to contribute to the ongoing growth and flourishing of St Francis of the Fields, Strathfieldsaye.

Applications close Monday, 24 August 2026

Interviews to be held Thursday, 3 September 2026

For a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity, please contact: peopleandculture@ceosand.catholic.edu.au