Introduction
St Philip's Christian College is a rapidly growing network of learning communities continuing its journey to deliver holistic Christian education that develops the whole child – emotionally, intellectually, socially, physically and spiritually. Our team thrives on fostering strong working relationships that continue to encourage innovative and effective change, benefiting both students and staff while staying true to the College's core values.
* Christ first
* Serve one another
* Strive for excellence
* Do what is right
* Build community
For over four decades we have been trusted leaders in education, pioneering new approaches and educational opportunities across the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast regions. We invite you to join us as we continue to explore and create better ways to educate, grounded in Christian values for a whole life.
Learn more about our Colleges:
* St Philip's Christian College, Port Stephens
* St Philip's Christian College, Gilibaa
Description
The Principal is responsible directly to the Executive Principal, K‐12 Education and to the CEO for the effective operation of the College. Leadership with integrity, courage and compassion is fundamental to a Principal's ability to create and sustain the positive conditions in which learning can flourish. The Principal leads the school's strategic vision aligned to the Central Office's direction and priorities, as set by the Board of Directors. The Principal develops a positive school culture in partnership with staff and the school community. Principals lead Christ‐centred lives and are collaborative, collegial and empathetic leaders.
This contract position commences in January 2027. The initial contract period is 3‐years, with the option to extend the contract period after the first renewal.
Responsibilities Spiritual and Cultural Leadership
* Demonstrate ongoing personal Christian growth.
* Provide leadership to staff, students and parents in the Christian faith in accordance with the ethos of St Philip's Christian College.
* Ensure the strategic direction of the school aligns with the Group Strategy and implement the Divisional Response Plan.
* Be a committed team member of the K‐12 Education Divisional Team, demonstrating unity and support with other Principals and the wider organisation.
* Lead staff in the integration of their Christian faith into professional practice.
* Ensure the embedding of the Christian worldview into all aspects of school operations.
* Ensure each student is treated as a unique individual as created by God.
* Continue personal study and deepen understanding of the Bible and its application in education.
* Encourage service/learning opportunities for all students and support the marginalised in education.
* Work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
* Build relationships with local Christian churches and organisations.
* Ensure the employment of Christian staff.
Leading Teaching and Learning
* Exercise leadership from within an articulated philosophy of Christian leadership.
* Inspire others toward excellence in teaching and learning through a Christian philosophy of education.
* Demonstrate visionary educational leadership that leads to innovative practices improving student character and outcomes.
* Develop the academic character and reputation of the school in the broader community.
* Exercise accountability processes for all staff within the Christian ethos of justice and mercy.
* Set a standard of excellence for all leaders and teams.
* Relate excellently with the student and parent communities and foster necessary leadership within those communities.
Developing Self and Others
* Appoint and lead staff, including their development and wellbeing, fostering a culture that attracts and retains high‐quality Christian staff.
* Stimulate and supervise ongoing professional development within the SPCC ethos and culture.
* Engage in ongoing personal professional development.
* Create a supportive environment for all staff in their personal and corporate Christian professional development.
* Develop aspiring leaders within the school community.
Leading Improvement, Innovation and Change
* Maintain current knowledge of key areas of education in the contemporary social climate.
* Conduct research into school improvement and lead the implementation of improved practice.
* Exercise accountability processes for all staff within the Christian ethos of justice and mercy.
* Provide evidence of strategic planning and translate the vision into effective implementation plans and programmes.
* Implement the Group Strategic Plan in consultation with the SET, K‐12 Division and CDLT.
* Collaborate with the K‐12 Divisional Team and CDLT to identify tangible actions for their entity.
* Be accountable for timely delivery of the KPIs as outlined in the Group Strategy.
Leading the Management of the School
* In partnership with the Central Office, exercise executive‐level leadership in all aspects of school operations including resourcing and people management, financial management, marketing, fundraising, communications and governance.
* Access and engage specialists from the Central Office across Infrastructure, People & Culture (HR), Finance, ICT, Marketing, Payroll and Risk & Governance.
* Ensure compliance with all legal obligations relevant to the conduct of the School.
* Produce a comprehensive development plan for operations in the required format for the Board of Directors and CEO.
* Oversee implementation, evaluation and ongoing development of teaching programmes and other co‐curricular activities.
* Provide reports to the Board and to government regulators as required.
* Develop and manage physical facilities within an educational ethos of excellence.
* Oversee risk management of facilities, employees and students.
* Provide oversight of financial commitments, expenditures and accounting.
* Initiate marketing strategies.
* Monitor and manage enrolment targets and staffing KPIs.
* Ensure compliance with all educational and other regulatory requirements.
Engaging and Working with the Gilibaa Community
* Build and sustain authentic relationships with local Aboriginal communities to guide decision‐making.
* Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of SPCC Gilibaa, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, wellbeing and cultural safety.
* Ensure alignment with SPCE vision, mission and values.
* Ensure Gilibaa's curriculum, programmes and policies are culturally appropriate, evidence‐based and aligned with relevant Aboriginal education frameworks.
* Deepen staff's cultural competence, embedding cultural awareness into professional learning and pedagogy.
* Promote meaningful engagement with families and caregivers, respecting cultural protocols and fostering trust, transparency and collaboration.
Behaviours, Knowledge, Skills & Attributes Required
Refer to the St Philip's Christian Education Leadership Capability Framework.
Skills and Experiences
* Demonstrate appropriate qualifications in Education and School Administration with proven experience in a leadership position within a Christian School.
* Articulate clearly a compelling strategic vision enhancing the quality of education and anticipating future needs of learners and teachers.
* Initial contract of 3 years offered; further employment subject to successful annual reviews.
* Salary depends on qualifications and experience; includes Executive Vehicle Allowance, laptop, mobile phone and superannuation contributions.
* Must agree to and support the Staff Code of Conduct on the SPCC website.
* Must hold a current NSW clearance to work with children (WWCC).
* May be required to undergo a medical examination before appointment.
* Staff must actively participate in consultation on health, safety and wellbeing, comply with workplace health and safety legislation and child protection laws.
St Philip's Christian Education Leadership Capability Framework – Capability Levels
Character: Christ First, Do What Is Right, Serve One Another, Strive for Excellence, Build Community, Act with Integrity (Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Highly Advanced) Manage Self: Strengthening & Developing Your Faith, Demonstrate Resilience, Adaptability & Personal Wellbeing, Demonstrate Accountability, Possess High EQ, Decision Making & Problem‐Solving Skills (Advanced, Highly Advanced, Highly Advanced, Advanced) Manage And Lead Others: Build Culture, Manage Change, Operate Collaboratively, Develop Staff, Inspire & Motivate, Pastoral Care, Wellbeing and Safety, Communicate Effectively, Influence, Negotiate, Advocate & Engage (Highly Advanced, Highly Advanced, Advanced, Highly Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Highly Advanced) Technical Capabilities: Plan Strategically, Governance, Manage Resources, Effective Industry Discipline & Expertise, Systems Thinking, Time Management & Prioritisation (Highly Advanced, Highly Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Adept, Advanced)
This position commences in January 2027. Interviews for the role will commence in June.
Note: All SPCC employees are responsible for ensuring the workplace is free from sexual harassment and must not engage in any behaviour that could amount to sexual harassment. They are also committed to a culture that supports and embraces Child Safe Standards and strictly complies with work health safety standards.
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