Principal - St Gerard's School, Dandenong North

At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 17,000 staff and serve more than 118,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan - MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World that will help all MACS staff come together to make the most of what a Catholic education has to offer so that we have the greatest and most distinctive impact in our classrooms, staffrooms and schools communities. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here.

The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us.

YOUR ROLE

As a Principal, you will be inspired to lead a joy-filled community where students, staff, and families can flourish within a Catholic context. Your leadership will enable the vision of the school to be realised, creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. The role of the Principal is one of the most important roles across the MACS system, as their faith and educational leadership enables the vision of the school to be realised. This role will work in collaboration with MACS, staff members, local Parish Priest, and the broader School community to achieve the identified goals of the School.

ABOUT ST GERARD’S SCHOOL, DANDENONG NORTH

St Gerard’s school, Dandenong North was established in 1957 and is located in Melbourne’s southeast, approximately 35 kilometres from the CBD within the culturally diverse City of Greater Dandenong.

The Principal leads a student cohort of approximately 121 students from 103 families across Prep to Year 6 and reflects the rich diversity of its local community, with approximately 45 nationalities and 21 languages represented. The multicultural nature of the school creates a vibrant and inclusive environment where respect, understanding and appreciation of different cultures are actively fostered and celebrated.

Central to school life are the Give Me 5 principles: Be Spirit Filled, Be Respectful, Be Cooperative, Be Positive and Be Your Best. These values guide all aspects of learning and relationships, creating a positive, faith-filled culture where students are supported and inspired to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

St Gerard’s offers modern, flexible learning spaces that support contemporary teaching practices and provide diverse opportunities for student learning. Extensive outdoor areas further enhance the school environment, encouraging physical activity, collaboration and the development of positive relationships.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

St Gerard’s Catholic Parish Primary School is a welcoming and multicultural community where families from diverse backgrounds are valued and supported.

Catholic faith and tradition are central to school life, fostering strong values, compassion and a commitment to service. Through Religious Education and a contemporary inquiry-based curriculum, students are encouraged to deepen their faith, respect others and contribute positively to their communities.

Working in partnership with families, St Gerard’s nurtures confident, resilient and compassionate learners equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to thrive in an ever-changing world. The school’s culturally diverse environment promotes inclusion, respect and global citizenship, creating a strong sense of belonging.

Enrolment numbers are correct at the time of publication.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Evidence of strong faith leadership through being an active member in good standing of a Catholic Church community, including Sunday attendance, whilst being informed by the Church's teaching and local mission.
• Demonstrated ability in instructional leadership, including determining and implementing evidence-based learning and teaching program and school curriculum.
• Evidence of unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all, including all MACS employees, students, parish, broader church, educational system, other schools, and educational authorities in line with current community safety standards and expectations.
• Displays a strong commitment to enrolment growth, financial stability, and a commitment to risk mitigation whilst effectively managing resources within a regularly monitored, evidence-based strategic plan.
• Demonstrated understanding and enactment of the legislative and systemic compliance requirements applicable to all Catholic schools.
• Shows attributes of justice and compassion in setting high standards for self and others in the leadership of pastoral care and the provision of an engaging education that provides multiple pathways and options for positive outcomes for young people.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills to enable team growth and development, championing innovation and improvement to support continuous learning.

HOW TO APPLY

Please refer to the position description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria.

Click APPLY to submit your application.

If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our team by email principalappointments@macs.vic.edu.au

All applicants are required to submit a copy or record of:

1. Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Registration (including current criminal history check) or current Digital VIT Registration Card.
2. Certified evidence of academic qualifications – inclusive of tertiary qualifications, academic qualifications additional to initial teacher education (Master’s degree or five-year equivalent) and accreditation to teach and or lead Religious Education in a Catholic School.
3. Current resume
4. Cover letter
5. Document addressing the Key Selection Criteria limited to four to five pages.
6. The names and contact details of three referees including the Catholic Priest of the Parish you regularly attend on a Sunday. These professional referees will be required to make relevant verbal responses regarding the applicant’s capacity to meet the specific local selection criteria.
7. Certified statements of service from current and previous employers are required from applicants who are currently not employed in Victorian Catholic education.

Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire and maintain a VIT and/or Working with Children Check, and must be willing to obtain and maintain a national criminal history check.

Candidates must hold full Australian working rights and provide evidence of this.

All successful candidates will be required to complete a “Schools Fit and Proper Personal Declaration”

Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants

MACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your Personal information, you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS. Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process

For further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice here

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1 2027

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 7 September 2026

Please feel free to submit your application ahead of the closing date as applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period.

Attachments

• Position Description-Principal-September 2024.pdf