Overview
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, owning, governing and operating approximately 300 Catholic schools, employing over 17,000 staff and serving more than 118,000 students and families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. MACS is transforming to bring to life its strategic plan, MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.
More details on the MACS strategy can be found here.
Your Role
As a Principal, you will be inspired to lead a joyful 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 requires collaboration with MACS, staff, the local Parish Priest, and the broader school community to achieve the school's goals.
About St Columba's Primary School, Elwood
St Columba's Primary School is a vibrant Catholic learning community located in Elwood, serving a diverse and inclusive population of families from a wide range of cultural, linguistic and faith backgrounds. The school is part of the St Columba's and Sacred Heart parish and maintains strong connections with the parish community and Sacred Heart Mission, reflecting a commitment to service and community engagement.
As an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School, St Columba's offers a rich educational experience that integrates Catholic values with the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate. The school emphasises high-quality curriculum and pedagogy, grounded in evidence-based practice, with a focus on deep learning, student voice and wellbeing, and high expectations for all learners. A shared language of learning, feedback and engagement, together with knowledge of current learning and teaching practices within the MACS Vision for Instruction, is essential.
About the Community
The St Columba's school community believes that a strong partnership between families, teachers, and the parish forms the foundation for student success and genuine connection. Families are encouraged to participate in school activities that foster warmth, authenticity, and belonging. In collaboration with the Parish and the Sacred Heart Mission, the school prioritises safety, inclusion and shared responsibility.
St Columba's School, Elwood has a student cohort of 137.
MACS is seeking a Principal who will continue to nurture strong relationships and actively engage with the community. Enrolment numbers are correct at the time of publication.
Key Selection Criteria
* Evidence of strong faith leadership through active and in-good-standing membership of a Catholic Church community, including Sunday attendance, informed by Church teaching and local mission.
* Demonstrated ability in instructional leadership, including determining and implementing evidence-based learning and teaching programs and school curriculum.
* Commitment to fostering a workplace prioritising safety and wellbeing of all, including MACS employees, students, parish, broader church and educational authorities, in line with current safety standards.
* Strong commitment to enrolment growth, financial stability and risk mitigation, while effectively managing resources within a monitored, evidence-based strategic plan.
* Understanding and enactment of legislative and systemic compliance requirements applicable to Catholic schools.
* Leadership characterised by justice and compassion, with high standards for self and others in pastoral care and the provision of an engaging education offering multiple pathways for positive outcomes for young people.
* Strong coaching and leadership skills to enable team growth and development, championing innovation and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
Please refer to the position description for details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria. Click APPLY to submit your application. If you have queries, please email the MACS team.
Applicants are required to submit: Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration or current digital VIT registration card (including current criminal history check); academic qualifications (tertiary qualifications, additional to initial teacher education, Master's degree or five-year equivalent, and accreditation to teach Religious Education in a Catholic School); current resume; a document addressing the Mandatory Selection Criteria (4–5 pages); names and contact details of three referees (including the Catholic Priest of the Parish you regularly attend); and certified statements of service from current/previous employers if not currently employed in Victorian Catholic education.
Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children. 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 have full Australian working rights and provide evidence. 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 information, you consent to its use for recruitment purposes. Applicants may withdraw at any time during the process. For details, see the full Privacy Collection Notice here.
Commencement date: Term 3, 2026 or by negotiation. Applications close: 4:00pm Monday 20 April, 2026. You may submit your application ahead of the closing date as applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period.
#J-18808-Ljbffr