ST MARY’S COLLEGE LTD

(a company limited by guarantee)

A Ministry of Dominican Education Australia

About St Mary’s College Ltd

St Mary’s College Ltd has a long tradition of educating young women to act with courage and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Grounded in the Catholic Dominican tradition, we are guided by a commitment to seeking truth and by our College values of Community, Justice and Growth — supporting each student to discover her strengths and use them with purpose.

The Opportunity

Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified and mission-aligned individuals to join the College Board of Directors. This is a voluntary, part-time governance role for someone who brings professional and governance expertise, sound judgement, and a commitment to Catholic education in the Dominican tradition.

As a Director, you will work with other members of the Board to provide strategic oversight of the College’s operations, which are directly managed by the College Principal and her Executive Team, in service of the College’s students, families, staff and wider community.

The time commitment is manageable and the contribution is meaningful: helping sustain a Catholic educational community shaped by truth, right relationships, justice and care for the common good.

Governance Context

St Mary’s College is a Ministry of Dominican Education Australia (‘DEA’), the Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP) entrusted with the stewardship and oversight of six education Ministries across Australia.

The College Board operates under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits legislation, and its Constitution to:

• Nurture and uphold the Catholic and Dominican identity of the College
• Oversee the College’s commitment to providing a safe environment for all children and young people, with zero tolerance for child abuse or harm
• Provide strategic oversight and policy governance
• Ensure prudent financial stewardship and sustainability
• Support master planning and long-term viability
• Uphold risk management and regulatory compliance

Directors are appointed by the Trustees of Dominican Education Australia.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking candidates who bring one or more of the following areas of experience, insight or professional capability:

• Mission, ministry or faith formation — A capacity to support and strengthen Catholic identity, Dominican charism and formation in a contemporary educational setting.
• Education — Experience in educational leadership or contemporary learning practice.
• Child safety and safeguarding — Experience in leading and governing for an active and embedded culture of child safety.
• Governance and leadership — Prior board, council or committee experience, with an understanding of strategic oversight, accountability and collective decision-making.
• Finance, risk or compliance — Professional expertise that supports financial stewardship, risk management, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity and long-term sustainability.
• Law, people and culture, property or community engagement — Skills that strengthen responsible governance, organisational development, infrastructure planning, stakeholder relationships and community connection.

We seek diversity, with Directors collectively equipped for the mission of Catholic education. The information requested from candidates will support this discernment and is not intended to preclude or discourage any potential candidate from applying.

You Will Bring

The successful candidate will bring:

• A genuine commitment to Catholic education, Dominican mission and the wellbeing of young people.
• Integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to the protection and empowerment of children and young people, ensuring their rights, safety and wellbeing remain paramount.
• A strong understanding of contemporary governance principles and their application.
• Sound judgement, integrity and a collaborative approach to governance.
• Capacity to engage constructively with strategy, risk, mission, stewardship and accountability.
• Availability to attend Board meetings, participate in committees as required, and contribute thoughtfully between meetings.
• A willingness to engage in induction and ongoing formation in Dominican charism, Catholic educational ministry, governance responsibilities and child safety expectations.

Why Join Our Board?

Joining the St Mary’s College Board offers the opportunity to:

• Work with a group of committed leaders — Directors, Principal and Executives — in service of students, families and staff.
• Contribute to a Catholic educational community with a strong social, spiritual and educational purpose.
• Apply your professional skills and governance experience to decisions that have long-term impact.

Induction support on relevant governance and safeguarding responsibilities will be provided by the Trustees of DEA.

St Mary’s College is committed to child safety, and all Directors are required to hold a current Working with Children Check (Volunteer category).

Make a Meaningful Difference

This is a distinctive opportunity to contribute your expertise and leadership to the governance of St Mary’s College as it continues its mission of Catholic education in the Dominican tradition.

Next Steps

We welcome expressions of interest from candidates with diverse backgrounds, expertise and lived experience.

For further details on the application process, please open the attachment below.

If you have any further inquiries, please contact Kerryn Boland, DEA Deputy Chair and Liaison Trustee for St Mary’s College, at [email protected].

Further information about the College can be found at: stmarys.sa.edu.au