Principal - St. John Bosco's, Niddrie

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.

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.

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 JOHN BOSCO’S SCHOOL, NIDDRIE

St John Bosco’s School, located in Niddrie in Melbourne’s north-west, is a vibrant Catholic learning community grounded in the Salesian tradition and Gospel values. At the heart of the school’s vision is a living Catholic faith that informs all aspects of school life. Each student is nurtured, valued and respected as an individual, and empowered to become a confident, creative and active participant in the contemporary world.

The school provides a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that supports students emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. Through a restorative approach, positive relationships are fostered, student voice is encouraged, and leadership opportunities are embedded across the school. Teaching and learning are informed by data and supported through a range of evidence-based pedagogical practices that respond to the diverse needs of learners. Students are encouraged to think critically, take ownership of their learning and demonstrate their understanding in meaningful and creative ways.

Committed to excellence in education, St John Bosco’s supports students to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions required to become responsible, active citizens who uphold the democratic principles of Australian society and contribute positively to the world around them.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

St John Bosco School was established in the 1940s through the vision of Father Little, Parish Priest of St Therese’s, Essendon. A close friend of the Salesian Fathers, Father Little named the school after St John Bosco, founder of the Salesian Order, embedding the values and spirit of the Salesian tradition into the life of the school. This strong connection continues today through Boscare.

Community is central to the identity of St John Bosco School. Guided by the Salesian charism, the school fosters an inclusive and welcoming culture where students, families and staff experience a strong sense of belonging. Students are provided with opportunities to contribute to their community through service, leadership, inquiry and action, helping them become compassionate and socially responsible citizens.

Parents and families are valued as essential partners in education and are encouraged to participate in school life through classroom activities, excursions, committees, liturgical celebrations and community events. Strong partnerships between home, school, parish and the wider community support the wellbeing, faith formation and success of every student.

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”

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1,2027

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 17 August 2026

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