Principal

Principal

St John's Lutheran School - Portland

PORTLAND, VIC

Principal / Head of School

Contract Type: Permanent/Ongoing Position Full Time

Applications Close: 31 July 2026

St John’s Lutheran Primary School is seeking a values-driven Principal to lead a Christ-centred F–6 community in coastal Portland from 2027. The role blends spiritual, educational, and operational leadership, with a focus on driving teaching excellence and delivering the school’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. Ideal for an experienced educator who values community connection, contemporary practice, and whole-child learning.

Lutheran Education VIC, NSW & TAS (LEVNT)
Praise. Love. Serve.

St John’s Lutheran Primary School is seeking an outstanding educator and visionary leader to commence as Principal in 2027.

Located on a picturesque 10-acre site in historic coastal Portland, Victoria, St John’s provides a Christ-centred education to approximately 123 students (Foundation–Year 6).

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the School through its Strategic Plan 2024–2028, including the development of contemporary new learning facilities.

The Role

The Principal provides spiritual, educational and operational leadership within a supportive Lutheran community.

Key focus areas include:

• Spiritual Leadership – modelling Christian faith and strengthening connections with Portland-Heywood Lutheran Church
• Educational Leadership – driving excellence in teaching and learning through contemporary, research-informed practice
• Strategic & Operational Management – overseeing finance, compliance, staffing and sustainable growth
• Community Engagement – building strong relationships with families, staff, the Gunditjmara community and the wider district

The role includes a small teaching component (approx. 0.2 FTE).

About You

You will be a relational and strategic leader who:

• Is a practising Christian (LCANZ member, open to joining, or willing to undertake the process of ‘colloquy’)
• Holds (or commits to obtaining) Lutheran school leadership accreditation
• Has demonstrated senior leadership experience in education
• Is eligible for VIT registration
• Holds postgraduate qualifications in leadership (desirable)

Why St John’s?

• A nurturing, whole-child learning environment
• Expansive grounds and facilities supporting sustainability and outdoor learning
• Supportive governance and strong community spirit
• An exceptional coastal lifestyle in Portland, Victoria

A competitive five-year contract package (aligned with LEVNT guidelines) will be offered. A Principal residence may be available by negotiation.

Application Instructions

For a confidential conversation and to obtain the Candidate Information Pack, which outlines the full position description, qualifications and experience required, and the Key Selection Criteria please contact:

Rob Evans – rob.e@anzuk.education | 03 9249 2431
James Mundy – james.m@anzuk.education | 0422 228 164

Applications close: 5pm Friday 31 July 2026
St John’s reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

How to Apply
Applications should be submitted as one combined PDF document and addressed to:
The Board Chair, St John’s Lutheran Primary School and emailed to Rob Evans, Regional Manager and James Mundy, Head of ANZUK Executive:
E: rob.e@anzuk.education and E: james.m@anzuk.education
Subject Line: Principal Application – St John’s Portland