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Become the Next Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlestown
Are you ready to lead a school where faith, innovation, and community come together to create something truly special?
St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlestown is seeking a Permanent Full-Time Principal to guide its vibrant Catholic learning community from 2026. Set in a stunning bushland environment, the school offers a nurturing and inclusive space where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. With purpose-built facilities designed for team teaching and recently refurbished learning spaces, St Joseph’s delivers a contemporary, collaborative, and engaging educational experience.
We’re looking for a dynamic and compassionate leader who will:
Provide faith-centred leadership grounded in the mission and values of the Catholic Church
Inspire and communicate a shared vision that promotes high expectations, professional growth, and student success
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and future-focused learning environment
Build strong and respectful relationships with staff, students, families, parish, and the wider community
Ensure the smooth and effective management of school operations, compliance, and resources
The ideal candidate is committed to the mission of Catholic education. They bring leadership experience in primary schooling, a strategic mindset, and a genuine passion for student wellbeing—fostering a culture where every individual is empowered to thrive.
This is more than a leadership role; it’s a chance to shape the future of a school where spirit, heart, and learning are at the centre of everything we do.
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 Three year 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 regarding this position, or to obtain a copy of the candidate pack, please contact:
Angela Bryant – angela.bryant@mn.catholic.org.au | 0409 738 421 or
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: Thursday 18th 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 legislatio
