Location:
St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay (current enrolment approx. 565 students)
TEC Range:
$222,485 – $243,095 (including OSHC Allowance and 12.75% superannuation)
Closing Date:
Sunday, 27 September 2026, 5:00pm
This is an exciting leadership opportunity to lead the school community of St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay commencing January 2027.
St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay is part of a system of kindergartens, primary schools and colleges operated by Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) in rural and regional centres from Mackay, south to Bundaberg, and west to Longreach.
In your role as Principal, you will be supported by the staff of the Catholic Education Office in the areas of Teaching and Learning, Catholic Identity, First Nations Education, Inclusive Education, ICT, Finance, Strategy, Business Development, Human Resources and Student Protection.
As Principal at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Mackay, you will report to the Diocesan Director, Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton through the Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region).
St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School is a three-stream, Prep to Year Six, co-educational Catholic school located in West Mackay, adjacent to St Francis Xavier Church. Established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1935, the school proudly continues its rich Catholic tradition, fostering a nurturing and faith-filled community where students are encouraged to learn, love, live the Gospel, witness their faith, and celebrate life.
St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School offers a comprehensive curriculum with a strong focus on Literacy and Numeracy, supported by experienced and dedicated staff. Modern, state-of-the-art learning environments and excellent technological infrastructure enable innovative and engaging teaching practices that support student success.
Students benefit from specialist programs in The Arts and Health and Physical Education, as well as diverse extracurricular opportunities including eisteddfods, environmental initiatives, cultural clubs, leadership programs, and sporting events.
Kindergarten facilities provide a pre-prep program, and the strong links between the school and kindergarten support successful transitions for the youngest learners. Additionally, Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Care are available for families of enrolled students.
In partnership with families, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School is committed to creating a spirit-filled faith community that sees the face of Christ in all. Guided by its vision, the school serves with humility, pursues excellence in learning, nurtures the Catholic faith and lights the way to the fullness of life for every student.
About the role
As Principal, you will lead a team of teachers and staff dedicated to ensuring students are provided with the very best opportunities to achieve their individual potential in a positive, safe and supportive environment.
The Principal is the leading educator within the school, inspiring students, staff and members of the community to continuously enhance learning and personal growth while seeking to help others deepen their knowledge and experience of the Catholic faith and their encounter with a loving God.
Key leadership qualities and capabilities
- Promotes the Catholic vision in the school's goals, policies, programs and structures
- Displays confidence, curiosity, enthusiasm and optimism
- Displays emotional intelligence in working with individuals and groups
- Builds an inclusive, trusting community and cultivates productive working relationships
- Is an effective coach able to provide and receive constructive feedback.
We are seeking to appoint a leader who
- is a practising Catholic with a sound understanding of, and commitment to, Catholic education
- has experience of successful leadership in Catholic education
- can foster a culture of inspirational teaching and learning and lead the development and implementation of school improvement initiatives
- has the interpersonal skills to build partnerships within the school and with the local community
- is willing to provide leadership in the areas of the duty statement
- can lead in ways that are consistent with the message of Jesus and the Gospels and
- Catholic Church teachings, principles and values
- Diocesan policies and directives
- Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton Charter
- Catholic Education Mission and Vision Statements, policies, practices and strategic directions.
What we offer - in addition to a competitive salary range, the following incentives apply
- Salary packaging options
- Superannuation of 12.75%
- Relocation
- Professional Renewal Leave
- Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
- Access to corporate health schemes with either (Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance)
- Access to Fitness Passport
- Professional development and learning opportunities
Mandatory requirements
- Relevant tertiary qualifications
- Current Queensland College of Teachers Registration
- Australian work rights
How to apply
- Please complete the application form below.
- Upload a current resume and supporting documentation (inclusive of three referees (your current Principal/Line Manager, a professional referee and your Parish Priest)). Please note, if you are applying as an internal applicant and your current principal or referees will form part of the panel, please provide an alternate referee.
- Applicants must read, understand and accept, as an explicit term of contract, the requirements of the Statement of Principles for employment in Catholic Schools.
- Upload a covering letter (addressed to the Diocesan Director, Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Mr Michael McCusker).
- In no more than 2 A4 pages, address the key criteria below and provide clear evidence of your demonstrated ability to lead a school in the following key leadership areas:
- Enhancing Catholic ethos and identity
- Leading teaching and learning
- Developing self and others
- Leading improvement, innovation and change
- Leading the management of the school
- Engaging and working with the community
Please refer to the Position Description and A Vision for Christian Leadership in the Diocese of Rockhampton to support your response.
Please note that current employees of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton do not need to supply copies of documentation that we already have on file.
Further information
- For a confidential conversation please contact Mr Michael McCusker (Diocesan Director 07 4994 8000).
- Applicants should note that as part of the hiring process a criminal history check and a bankruptcy check will be completed.
- For further information regarding the remuneration package, please contact Employee Support Services [email protected]
- Applications during the shortlisting phase will be kept confidential.
Applications close: Sunday, 27 September 2026 5:00pm.
Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures and is an equal opportunity employer.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
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