Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited
Catholic education in the Diocese of Lismore is a long standing provider of school education on the north coast of New South Wales. 45 Catholic primary and secondary schools, operate in all major urban centres and many smaller towns from Tweed Heads to Laurieton. All Catholic schools seek to provide a comprehensive, quality education in a welcoming and secure environment.
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PRINCIPAL - St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Pottsville
Full-time position, 5-year renewable contract commencing 27 January 2026.
Relocation assistance available. Work motor vehicle provided.
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Overview of School:
St Ambrose opened in 2015 with 7 classes and 142 students. The school has grown rapidly and has reached its capacity with 360 students and 14 classes. Since its inception, the school has been in a fortuitous position to employ outstanding staff who are motivated, committed, and highly skilled. St Ambrose is a school based on contemporary learning goals, flexible and dynamic classrooms, and teachers who embrace modern learning methods. Simply, teachers provide a learning environment that is engaging and student-focused.
Central to our school is our Catholicity. St Ambrose is a school that participates in the Church’s mission to evangelise and nurture the life of Christian discipleship. Our focus is shaped by a concern for the holistic development of students in a faith-centered environment. Our school values of being Respectful, Responsible, and Courageous are embedded within the school and underpin our focus on student well-being and student behaviour.
In 2021 the school received the prestigious recognition of becoming an Apple Distinguished School. Apple Distinguished School is an internationally recognised commendation that acknowledges innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. St Ambrose also provides a myriad of extra curricula opportunities, including an extensive music program that offers instrument tuition, choirs, bands, and drum lines, a broad and comprehensive sports program, drama, and art classes. In addition to these, students can join various clubs such as gardening clubs, ‘Minnie Vinnies’, chess, STEM classes, etc. St Ambrose endeavours to provide a wide range of activities that enables “every child with the opportunity to shine”. For further information, please see our school website.
Overview of Role:
The Catholic School Principal serves as a Christ centered leader who models the ‘Fullness of Life’ framework, “A framework to support our students in Christ to learn well and live well’. The Principal will lead across the school community to develop and shape a shared vision for Catholic education ‘focused on providing pastoral care at its heart, influenced through leadership that nurtures an optimal learning environment; and promotes authentic family and school partnerships.’ The Principal has responsibility for supporting and monitoring the learning and growth of committed teachers and setting high standards for students and staff performance, enabling students to achieve the fullness of life.
Work Requirements:
- Compliance with Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead as prescribed by the Bishops of NSW, or working towards accreditation at the appropriate level upon commencement.
- Hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check.
- A current/valid Australian Driver’s License and eligibility to work within Australia for the period of the appointment.
- A National Police Check, or ability to obtain one if the successful candidate.
- Current NESA accreditation.
- Requirement to travel between locations.
Qualifications:
- Tertiary qualifications in Education with postgraduate qualifications at Masters level in Education Leadership (including four units of Religious Education, or postgraduate studies in Theology or Religious Education).
Work Experience:
- Recent experience as a senior leader in a school.
Key Capabilities:
- Demonstrated high levels of organisation, communication, negotiation, collaboration with all in the school’s community.
- Proven experience in leading initiatives that focus on improving learning, engagement and wellbeing outcomes for all students in a student-centred learning environment.
- Demonstrated ability to create, maintain and support high-quality inclusive, supportive and safe learning environments.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of research into teaching, learning and child development and how to apply such research to the needs of the students in the school. This includes the management of performance in the school and strategies to improve practice.
- Proven ability to apply knowledge and understanding of leadership, and management concepts and practice, to deliver with others effective strategic leadership and operational management.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of Catholic education in Australia and demonstrated capacity to implement the Mission of the Church for Catholic Education.
- Demonstrated ability to support school communities to be formed in the Mission of Jesus Christ.
- Working knowledge of WHS and equity with a demonstrated capacity to apply related principles and policies.
- Respect for the teachings of the Catholic Church and by conduct and lifestyle, ability to give witness to the Church’s mission.
Your cover letter should address the key capabilities listed above.
Shortlisted candidates who have been invited to interview will be required to complete online psychometric assessments as part of the recruitment process. Referee reports are also required from shortlisted candidates. Please refer to the Referee Instructions and templates below for additional information.
Additional information:
Enquiries: recruitment@lism.catholic.edu.au
Applications close: 9am, Monday, 25 August 2025
Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited is committed to creating Child Safe Schools.
Child Protection legislation requires preferred applicants to be subject to employment screening.
An equal opportunity employer.
