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Lead with Purpose in One of Australia’s Most Iconic Coastal Locations
Holy Family Primary School, Merewether Beach is seeking a Permanent Full-Time Principal, commencing Term 2, 2026.
Imagine starting your day with the sound of waves and ocean air just moments from your office. Located in the heart of Newcastle, Merewether Beach has been named Australia’s best city beach—and for good reason. With its stunning coastline, world-class surf, and vibrant local community, it offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match. Whether it’s morning walks along the sand, weekend cafés by the water, or quick access to Newcastle’s thriving CBD, this is a location that truly has it all.
This is more than just a career move—it’s a chance to embrace a sea change while leading a school that values creativity, community, and Catholic identity. Holy Family Primary School is a place where the unique gifts of every student and teacher are celebrated. We foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and growth, and we’re looking for a Principal who shares our vision.
We are seeking a Principal who brings:
• A deep commitment to Catholic education and the values that underpin it
• Demonstrated experience in a school leadership role, with a strong grasp of curriculum, pedagogy and school improvement
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust and empowers others
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A strategic mindset and strong organisational capability
• An ability to build a culture of belonging, high expectations, and continuous learning
If this sounds like you, apply today and take the next step in your leadership journey.
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
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: Thursday 25th 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.
