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Catherine McAuley Primary School, Medowie is seeking an inspiring and future-focused leader to join as permanent full-time Assistant Principal, commencing Term 3, 2026.
This is more than a leadership role—it is a rare opportunity to help bring a brand-new Catholic primary school to life.
Opening in 2027, Catherine McAuley Primary School will be a place of belonging, innovation, and excellence, designed to meet the needs of a growing and vibrant community in the Port Stephens region. As part of an emerging education precinct alongside Catherine McAuley Catholic College and St Nicholas Early Education Centre, the school will offer a seamless and contemporary learning journey from early years through to secondary education.
As Assistant Principal, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the identity, culture, and vision of the school from its foundation. You will help create a thriving learning environment where staff are empowered, students are inspired, and community connections are deeply valued. This is an opportunity to lead with purpose, influence meaningful change, and leave a lasting legacy.
Set within the stunning Port Stephens region, Medowie offers a lifestyle that is as rewarding as the role itself—where coastal beauty meets a relaxed, semi-rural charm. With Newcastle just 34km away and the Hunter Valley within easy reach, this is your chance to combine impactful leadership with an exceptional quality of life.
The Assistant Principal will assist the Principal to lead across the school community to:
Model faith in action
Develop and shape a shared vision focused 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 with a personal commitment to Catholic Education who can clearly demonstrate their vision and commitment to leading and learning within our Diocesan community
A strong background in and command of a core content area in education with the ability to model evidence-based practice and effectively utilise data to optimise student outcomes
Demonstrated success in creating and leading effective professional learning and building the capacity of teachers as leaders in learning
Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically; initiate and drive change and ensure a culture of continuous improvement
High level communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to develop and sustain constructive and respectful relationships within and beyond the school community
Capacity to strengthen and integrate equity and diversity, work health and safety and performance management principles in the ongoing management and development of staff
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)
QUALIFICATIONS
Four-year trained teacher classification and at least six, preferably eight years, successful teaching experience
Postgraduate qualification in Religious Education or Theological Studies or willingness to complete within four years of appointment
Current NESA Teacher Accreditation
Working with Children Clearance number
Completion of anaphylaxis training
Postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership (Desirable)
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary is in accordance with New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2025.
Work in quality schools where students are nurtured, challenged and encouraged to excel and grow
A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport (T&C's apply)
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Training and staff development programs
Paid parental leave for eligible employees
Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Samantha Kelley, Principal on via email: samantha.kelley@mn.catholic.edu.au
TO APPLY CLICK ON THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW AND
Provide a cover letter along with your resume
Within your cover letter address each of the selection criteria as listed under EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA above and ensure your response to each criteria is no longer than 300 words.
We use Xref to obtain reference checks, you will receive an email from them requesting you to nominate at least two (2) referees, including your current Principal and their contact details. Once submitted, referees will receive an email and text message from Xref to complete the reference, which will be automatically returned to the hiring manager.
We use Xref to obtain Parish Priest References, you will receive an email from them requesting you to nominate your Parish Priest and their contact details. Once submitted, they will receive an email and text message from Xref to complete the reference, which will be automatically returned to the hiring manager.
Please note, not adequately addressing the selection criteria may result in your application not being shortlisted.
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 10th May 2026 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.
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