Principal - St Columba's School, Elwood

Role Description/Criteria

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. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here. 
 

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. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us.

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 drawn 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 and active connections with both the parish community and Sacred Heart Mission, reflecting a deep commitment to service, social justice 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 places a strong emphasis on high-quality curriculum and pedagogy, explicit instruction, evidence-based practice, and a clear focus on deep learning, student voice and wellbeing, with high expectations for all learners.

A shared and embedded language of learning, feedback and engagement , together with a strong 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 support students by participating in a wide range of school activities that foster warmth, authenticity, and a deep sense of belonging that is reflected in every classroom.

In collaboration with the Parish and the Sacred Heart Mission, the school places the safety and wellbeing of all individuals at the forefront. Together, they cultivate an environment grounded in inclusion, safety, and shared responsibility.

St Columba’s School, Elwood has a student cohort of 135* with a 2027 Prep enrolment of 44.

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 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 ***************@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 Religious Education in a Catholic School. (RE Accreditation
3. Current resume
4. Cover letter
5. Document addressing the Mandatory 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. 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”

Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants

MACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment.  By submitting your Personal information, you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS.  Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process

For further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice here

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 2 2026 or by negotiation  

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday, 24 August 2026

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

Application Procedures

https://cem.elmotalent.com.au/careers/careers/job/view/1660