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Lead with Purpose – Principal Opportunity at St Kevin’s Primary School, Cardiff
St Kevin’s Primary School, Cardiff, is seeking a Permanent Full-Time Principal to commence in 2026 – a unique opportunity to lead a vibrant, faith-filled learning community where every child is known, valued, and nurtured.
As a single-stream school, St Kevin’s offers the advantage of small class sizes, enabling personalised learning and strong relationships. Our dedicated staff, engaged families, and supportive parish form a close-knit community that truly lives our guiding belief: “It takes a village to raise a child.”
We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate leader who will:
Champion a culture of excellence, inclusion, and wellbeing
Inspire staff and students through visionary leadership and authentic relationships
Strengthen our Catholic identity and community partnerships
Foster innovation while honouring tradition
This is more than a leadership role – it’s a chance to shape the future of a school where heart, spirit, and learning come together.
The Principal will lead across the school community to:
Model faith in action
Develop and shape a shared vision focussed on providing quality educational experiences and learning outcomes for all students
Nurture positive relationships between students, teachers, and all other stakeholders
Support and monitor the learning and growth of effective teachers
Set high standards for students and staff performance.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
Practising Catholic active in the life of a Eucharistic community, with an understanding of their baptismal call to share and witness the good news of Jesus Christ
Demonstrated ability to articulate and create a shared improvement agenda that aligns with system priorities and embeds an evidence-based practice with high expectations for student learning and teacher practice.
Proven strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated capacity to build solid trusting relationships with students, staff, families, and all stakeholders
An ability to effectively analyse and respond to student data on Catholic identity, academic performance, behaviour, and wellbeing to enhance learning outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to effectively optimise the school’s human, financial and physical resources to deliver high quality organisational and educational outcomes
Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislative and legal frameworks including equity and diversity, work health and safety and performance management principles in the management of staff and the capacity to implement relevant plans and policies to ensure strong governance
Experience in the role of Religious Education Coordinator (primary schools), or in the roles of Ministry Coordinator and/or Leader of Learning Religion (secondary schools) (Desirable)
Experience working across more than one school setting (Desirable)
Active participation and leadership in education forums (i.e. Principal/Assistant Principal Professional Associations/Networks) (Desirable)
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications as a four-year trained teacher or Master of Education qualification (or approved as Threeyear trained due to significant prior experience as a Teacher within the system).
Postgraduate qualifications (Category E) in Religious Education, Theological Studies, or a willingness to enrol and complete within four years of appointment
Postgraduate qualifications (Category E) in Educational Leadership combined with a minimum of ten years teaching experience or an equivalent combination of experience, training, and achievement
Active NESA Accreditation
Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
Completion of anaphylaxis training.
How to Apply
Please submit your application and include:
Cover Letter (max 2 pages):
Address the selection criteria and describe your suitability for the role, referencing key responsibilities.
Resume:
Highlight your professional experience, qualifications, and achievements relevant to the role.
References:
You will receive an email via Xref requesting you to nominate at least two professional referees. In addition, you will be asked to provide contact details for your Parish Priest, whose reference will also be collected through Xref.
For Further Information
View the Candidate Pack here or for a confidential conversation, contact:
Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.
Applications close: Sunday 14th September 2025 at 11.59pm
Additional information
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.
