Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited

Catholic education in the Diocese of Lismore is a long standing provider of school education on the north coast of New South Wales. 45 Catholic primary and secondary schools, operate in all major urban centres and many smaller towns from Tweed Heads to Laurieton. All Catholic schools seek to provide a comprehensive, quality education in a welcoming and secure environment.

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PRINCIPAL – St Carthage’s Primary School, Lismore

Tenure: Full-time position, 5-year renewable contract commencing January 2027

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Overview of School

St Carthage’s Primary School provides exceptional faith-centred learning to students from Kindergarten through to Year 6. We are a nurturing and welcoming community guided by our Catholic tradition and Gospel values. Our school’s values are based on the over 130-year-old tradition of our founders, the Presentation Sisters. Our school motto, ‘Let your light shine,’ is lived out every day through the actions of our students. We encourage our students to participate fully in the life of the school and promote in a special way the ideals of respect, honesty, tolerance and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others.

At St Carthage’s Primary, we develop, encourage and celebrate every child’s unique talents and skills. Our dedicated staff provide quality learning experiences that empower students to be critical thinkers and develop a lifelong love of learning. We partner with families, acknowledging that they are the primary educators of their children. We strive to create positive partnerships with families and provide many ways to communicate and engage parents in all aspects of school life. We pride ourselves on our community’s warm welcome and inclusiveness, where students feel known, loved and cared for.

We invite your family to share your child’s learning journey with us so that together, we can discover their strengths, passions and love of learning. Further information on our school can be found on our website. 

Position Overview

As the faith leader, the Catholic School Principal witness’s faith in action, leading the school community to enact a shared vision that focuses on the provision of a high-quality Catholic education for all students.

The role of Principal supports the underlying Mission of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Lismore by delivering services that contribute to enabling students to achieve the fullness of life.

The Rewards

• Annual Salary: Foundation Level $203,456 – Accomplished Level $214,164 per annum plus superannuation.
• Retention Benefits: Your choice of a work motor vehicle or a $20,000 annual allowance plus salary packaging options to maximise your salary.
• Relocation Support: Comprehensive relocation assistance plus reimbursement for on-site interview travel and accommodation.
• Health & Growth: Fitness Passport (discounted gym/aquatic), EAP services and opportunities for professional learning in leadership.

Work Requirements

• Compliance with Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead as prescribed by the Bishops of NSW.
• Hold a valid/paid NSW Working with Children Check.
• A current/valid Australian Driver’s License and eligibility to work within Australia for the period of the appointment.
• A cleared National Police Check.
• Current NESA accreditation.
• Requirement to travel between locations (as required). 

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Education with postgraduate qualifications at Masters level in Education Leadership (including four units of Religious Education or postgraduate studies in Theology or Religious Education).

Work Experience

• Recent experience as a senior leader in a school.

Key Capabilities

• Demonstrated high levels of organisation, communication, negotiation, collaboration with all in the school’s community.
• Proven experience in leading initiatives that focus on improving learning, engagement and wellbeing outcomes for all students in a student-centred learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to create, maintain and support high-quality inclusive, supportive and safe learning environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of research into teaching, learning and child development and how to apply such research to the needs of the students in the school. This includes the management of performance in the school and strategies to improve practice.
• Proven ability to apply knowledge and understanding of leadership, and management concepts and practice, to deliver with others effective strategic leadership and operational management.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Catholic education in Australia and demonstrated capacity to implement the Mission of the Church for Catholic Education.
• Demonstrated ability to support school communities to be formed in the Mission of Jesus Christ.
• Working knowledge of WHS and equity with a demonstrated capacity to apply related principles and policies.
• Respect for the teachings of the Catholic Church and by conduct and lifestyle, ability to give witness to the Church’s mission.

To Apply

Please submit an online application, which includes a resume and cover letter tailored to the key capabilities listed in the Position Description. 

Additional Information

• Click this link for information on our Diocese and the School.
• Relocating to the region? Check out The Welcome Experience by NSW Government.
• This position is open to suitably qualified and experienced applicants who are practicing Catholics with an understanding of, and commitment to, the mission and values of Catholic education. 
• Preferred candidates may be required to undertake pre-employment checks, such as references and/or psychometric testing. 
• We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies for this position and will not be liable for any associated fees.

Enquiries: [email protected]

Applications close: 3pm, Monday 10 August 2026

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited is committed to creating Child Safe Schools.

Child Protection legislation requires preferred applicants to be subject to employment screening.

An equal opportunity employer.