Principal – St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, Tamworth, NSW

Are you seeking a role:

• In a System of schools known for its mentoring and development processes to support leaders to ‘grow’ their career?
• In a city known for its strong community spirit, where schools act as community centres, allowing leaders to engage extensively with parents, local businesses, and other stakeholders?
• In a community with a mix of urban and rural environments, providing a high quality of life, affordable housing, and less congestion than larger cities?

Introduction

The Diocese of Armidale covers a significant portion of the North West region of NSW.  Regina Menz is the Director of Schools for the Armidale Catholic Schools Office (ACSO) and is leading significant cultural change to continually improve student faith and learning outcomes.

The ACSO Diocese of Armidale administers 24 schools: 19 primary, two central and three secondary schools. With approximately 1,000 employees in teaching and non-teaching roles, the ACSO supports school communities who provide learning for almost 6,000 students across the Diocese.

The Armidale system of schools is widely recognised for the ongoing professional support provided to all staff. They also have specific mentoring and development processes to support leaders and aspiring leaders. This is the ideal setting to ‘grow’ a career.

St Nicholas Primary School is a part of this System of 24 Catholic schools.

St Nicholas Primary School, Tamworth

St Nicholas Primary School is a Catholic Parish school of over 600 students ranging from Kindergarten to Year 6. The school was established in 1876 and has a long tradition of academic, sporting and cultural excellence. St Nicholas has a relentless focus on learning where teachers work in high functioning teams.

St Nicholas has a proud history of supporting staff, with adult and student learning viewed with equal importance. This is based on contemporary research and the understanding that improved student learning outcomes arrive from increasing the capacity of already highly capable educators.

Living in Tamworth

With a population of 65,000 for Greater Tamworth, the city offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and rural charm, making it an ideal place for both families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Known as the “Country Music Capital of Australia,” Tamworth provides rich cultural experiences and entertainment. The city boasts a strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere, coupled with affordable housing and lower living costs compared to major cities.

It also serves as a regional hub and administrative centre for the north-western region of NSW for agriculture, education, and health. Additionally, the natural beauty and outdoor activities available in the region enhance the quality of life, making Tamworth a compelling place to call home.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the school website at:   https://stnicholastamworth.catholic.edu.au/

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Position Overview

Position Title: Principal

Reports to: School Performance Leader through to the Director of Schools.

Position Purpose

The Principal is the religious, educational and organisational leader of a Catholic School within the Diocese of Armidale. The Principal provides leadership and exercises prudential stewardship of the Catholic School. The Principal is ultimately responsible for the Catholic identity and ethos, curriculum and effective management of the school.

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided a full position description; as well as key ACSO documents. You will also be briefed on the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role. The current staffing structure can be viewed by visiting the St Nicholas website.

Commencement

The start date for this position is negotiable, however it is anticipated that the new Principal will commence in preparation for the 2025 school year.

Location

The school is located at 143-149 Carthage Street, Tamworth.

Conditions of Employment

• Depending upon experience, salary will likely range from $191,777 to $201,870; plus superannuation, relocation support and a fully maintained motor vehicle.
• The term of the initial contract is negotiable, from 2 to 5 years. Subsequent contract renewal is subject to a successful performance review.
• Applicants who are successful in gaining an interview will receive an interview travel allowance.
• The successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a National Criminal History Check.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• Commitment to and practice of the Catholic faith.
• A minimum of five years successful experience as a primary or secondary leader or an equivalent role in school system leadership or the tertiary sector.
• A leader with:
  • The capacity to inspire a team; collaboratively develop strategy and culture; and manage change.
  • The ability to clearly articulate a vision of learning and teaching.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills to ‘fit’ within a vibrant parish community.
• An educational leader who will embrace the Armidale Catholic Schools vision and strategies for developing a Professional Learning Community in a Catholic context aligned with the Armidale Catholic Schools Strategic Plan.
• Hold professional qualifications:
  • An undergraduate education degree and relevant postgraduate degree qualifications in educational leadership, curriculum, theology or religious education or similar; and
  • Completion of or willingness to undertake appropriate post graduate courses in the areas of religious education or theology to meet accreditation requirements of Category E as per the Catholic Schools framework for the accreditation of staff in Catholic schools.
• Be NESA accredited or be eligible to be accredited by NESA to teach in NSW.

If you are an aspiring educational leader, the Armidale Catholic school system has specific mentoring and development processes to support your career growth.

Are You Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1566. All we require at the outset is a resume, email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest. All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.

Questions can be directed to John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our weekly email alerts.

The Selection Process

The timeline for this project is as follows:

We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.

• We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the role aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the ACSO schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference; and a faith-based reference with a Catholic priest; both prior to shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another work-related referee between shortlisting and interviews; with final references completed in the final stages of the process. No referee will be contacted without your express consent.
• The selection committee will provide an option of an online interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
• Prior to shortlisting, all information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Director, or her nominee, unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• For more information on our process click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.
• Please note that people are contacted, and discussions commence soon after applications are received. We do not wait until the close date. There are advantages in applying immediately.

Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents.

 Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.