Principal - St John's School, Frankston

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.

YOUR ROLE

As a Principal, you will be inspired to lead a joy-filled community where students, staff, and families can flourish within a Catholic context. Your leadership will enable the vision of the school to be realised, creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. The role of the Principal is one of the most important roles across the MACS system, as their faith and educational leadership enables the vision of the school to be realised. This role will work in collaboration with MACS, staff members, local Parish Priest, and the broader School community to achieve the identified goals of the School. 

ABOUT ST JOHN'S SCHOOL, FRANKSTON

St John’s is a Catholic primary school in Frankston East providing education for students from Foundation to Year 6. Since its establishment in 1967, the school has been guided by its motto, “Love Is Life,” fostering a caring, respectful and faith-centred learning community. Committed to educational excellence, St John’s embraces the science of learning through evidence-based teaching practices that support the growth, achievement and wellbeing of every student.

Dedicated staff create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems creatively and develop the confidence, skills and values needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Child safety is a central priority, with the Student-led Child-Safe Team actively promoting student voice, wellbeing and a culture of respect across the school.

At St John’s, Catholic identity is woven into all aspects of school life. Guided by the Gospel values of faith, hope, love and justice, the school supports families in nurturing children in the Catholic faith through a rich Religious Education program that celebrates traditions, shares the story of the Church and deepens spiritual growth. Located alongside the historic St John the Evangelist Church, the school maintains a strong connection with its parish community, providing students with a holistic education grounded in faith, learning and service.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

St John’s School, Frankston is an inclusive and values-driven Catholic community that promotes a strong sense of belonging, collaboration and mutual respect. The school encourages all community members to develop an understanding of and appreciation for the stories and heritage of the First Australians, fostering awareness and respect for Country and culture. Guided by Catholic values and principles of social justice, environmental stewardship and positive relationships, St John’s nurtures a genuine commitment to caring for others both locally and globally.

The school works in partnership with families, parish members and a range of community and support organisations to meet the diverse needs of students and provide additional support when required. The St John’s School Advisory Committee brings together the Parish Priest, Principal, staff, parent representatives and members of the wider faith community to support informed decision-making and strengthen school-community partnerships. Grounded in values including love, compassion, respect, responsibility, perseverance, wisdom and integrity, St John’s cultivates a safe, child-focused environment where every member of the community is valued, supported and empowered to flourish.

The School has a student cohort of 270. MACS is seeking a Principal who will continue to nurture the strong relationships and actively engage with the community.

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 and or lead Religious Education in a Catholic School. 
3. Current resume
4. Cover letter
5. Document addressing the Key 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 on a Sunday. 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 1,2027

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.